An influential group of former cricket players argued that "cricket’s world governing body should lobby for the sport to be included at the Olympic Games of 2024, even though it will probably mean a short-term loss of income," according to Patrick Kidd of the LONDON TIMES. The MCC World Cricket Committee, an advisory body that meets twice a year to consider research and make recommendations, "held a two-day meeting in Auckland," New Zealand at which "the possibility of bringing cricket back into the Olympics for the first time since 1900 was discussed." A statement from the committee said: "The committee accepts that, were cricket to be played in the Olympics, there would be a short-term loss in income for the ICC, and therefore for dispersion to its members, but is impressed with the potential boost for the game worldwide." The committee suggested that Twenty20 "would be the appropriate format to be played at the Olympics and that it should be regarded as the 'pinnacle' of that form of the sport" (LONDON TIMES, 2/27). REUTERS' Toby Davis reported cricket "would have to apply to be part of the Games and 2024 is the earliest possible date for its inclusion." The committee is made up of current and former int'l players and umpires. Cricket "has only once appeared at the Olympics," in 1900, when a team from Britain played one from France (REUTERS, 2/27). The London TELEGRAPH reported IOC President Jacques Rogge has, in the past encouraged the sport to put forward a case for its inclusion, saying in in '11: "We would welcome an application. It's an important, popular sport and very powerful on television. It's a sport with a great tradition where mostly you have a respect of the ethics" (TELEGRAPH, 2/27).
