Waugh backs cricket to become an Olympic sport

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HONG KONG, Aug 5 (AFP): Former Australia Test captain Steve Waugh has thrown his weight behind Twenty20 cricket becoming an Olympic sport, saying it would help globalise the game.

"The idea of Twenty20 cricket at the Olympics is definitely worth pursuing," he told the South China Morning Post.

"If you want to globalise the game then you have to look at including countries like China and the United States, and getting cricket into the Olympics will fast-track that move."

In December last year, cricket was given the status of "recognised sport" by the International Olympic Committee for two years.

The honour is usually granted to sports that are not part of the Olympic programme but conform to its ideals of youth promotion and anti-doping policies.

Cricket was last seen at a major multi-sport event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, but was dropped for the next two editions in England and Australia.

Waugh played in Kuala Lumpur, when Australia won gold.

"I had the time of my life at those Games. Winning the gold medal was one of the highlights of my career," said the 43-year-old, who played 168 Tests for Australia, including 57 as captain.