England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould has backed India’s potential bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, saying the ECB would stand alongside India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in its efforts.
Gould also highlighted the growing importance of India to global cricket and praised the work being done by BCCI and International Cricket Council (ICC) officials to expand the sport’s reach.
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ECB To Support India's Olympic Bid: Richard Gould
Gould described cricket’s return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games as a major opportunity for the sport to attract new audiences.
Speaking about India’s potential 2036 Olympic hosting bid, the ECB chief said England would support India and the BCCI. He also pointed to the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad as an opportunity for India to gain valuable experience ahead of a potential Olympic hosting challenge.
Gould believes the return of cricket to the Olympic programme can help the sport reach audiences beyond its traditional markets.
BCCI Is The Most Important Cricket Board
Gould also underlined India's significance to international cricket, describing the BCCI as the most important cricket board in the world.
He praised the work of BCCI secretary Jay Shah and the ICC, particularly in relation to the growth and development of cricket globally.
Gould also highlighted the growing influence of Indian investors in international cricket. He cited Sanjiv Goenka, the Ambani family and the Maran family as examples of Indian investors who have become major forces in the global game, adding that their involvement is welcome in English cricket.
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Gould Wants More Cricket Between India and England
The ECB chief also expressed his desire for India and England to play more cricket in the future.
Gould described five-Test series against India and Australia as the highest level of competition for England and said the ECB is happy to play long Test series against both nations. He also expressed an interest in playing longer Test series against South Africa.
On Shubman Gill's call for the return of triangular series, Gould said several such series are already scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months. He believes the format can continue to have a role in international cricket.
Gould's comments further highlighted the close cricketing relationship between India and England, with the ECB chief expecting ties between the two countries to strengthen further in the coming years.