Pressure Builds on Cricket to Make Olympic Bid -- Federations Focus

(ATR) Some influential voices in the cricket world believe the sport should be a part of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The MCC World Cricket Committee, a body made up of former players, voted unanimously to encourage the International Cricket Council to pursue a spot on the Olympic program for the sport’s Twenty20 format.

India and England, two of the sport’s most prominent countries, have opposed Olympic involvement in the past on grounds that it would harm the sport’s ability to generate revenue through broadcast deals. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board told London newspaper The Telegraph that it is "open to rethinking" its negative position.

"The Olympics is a fundamental opportunity for cricket - in both the men’s and women’s game - and with a global reach, such a presence would expose the game positively to new markets," said the MCC in a statement.

The MCC is a think tank with no official power within the game. ICC chief executive David Richardson is a member, however, so the unanimous vote suggests he is open to the idea.

Baseball/Softball Doles Out TV Rights for New Tournament

(ATR) Two Japanese broadcast networks will carry the first edition of a new baseball tournament this fall.

Tokyo Broadcasting System and TV Asahi were awarded the Japanese TV rights for the Premier12 tournament which will be staged by the World Baseball Softball Confederation from November 8 to 21.

WBSC president Riccardo Fraccari said the WBSC is "thrilled" with the platform.

"Matching the WBSC Premier12 with two of Japan’s premier broadcasters like TBS and TV Asahi ensures the most comprehensive and highest quality coverage possible for Japan’s national audience, who are some of the most discerning and enthusiastic baseball fans in the world."

The Japanese team will open the tournament on November 8 against South Korea at the 40,000-seat Sapporo Dome. The semifinals and finals of the tournament will be played at the Tokyo Dome.

Baseball/softball is one of eight sports under consideration to be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Blatter Sets Presser for Monday

(ATR) The outgoing FIFA president will hold a press conference on July 20.

Sepp Blatter is expected to discuss his presidency and the future of FIFA.

Four days after being re-elected, Blatter announced in June amid a swirl of controversy that he would step aside as president of the world football governing body.

Written by Nick Devlin

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