Lara: I don’t see why T20 can’t be included in the Olympics

Lara, who returned to cricket to play in three T20s in the Zimbabwean Stanbic Bank 20 Series in 2010 but who missed out on playing any international T20s, believes that the shortest format of the game would be ideal for the grandest stage in sport

^{Brian Lara believes T20 cricket should be included in the Olympics}

Legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara, widely seen as one of the game’s greatest ever batsmen, has put his backing behind cricket making its way into the Olympics using the format of Twenty20.

Lara, who returned to cricket to play in three T20s in the Zimbabwean Stanbic Bank 20 Series in 2010 but who missed out on playing any international T20s, believes that the shortest format of the game would be ideal for the grandest stage in sport.

The 49-year-old said: “The T20 format lasts just 3 hours so I don't see why it can't be included in the Olympics. It was nice to see golf get that opportunity again, it's time for cricket now!”

The West Indian’s thoughts come as the International Cricket Council (ICC) continue to discuss the possibility of having T20 cricket at the Olympics in 2028 with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

^{Brian Lara missed out on playing any T20 internationals for West Indies}

The seventh highest Test run-scorer of all-time added: “The most important thing for the ICC to consider is the growth of the game, where that will happen is in the T20 format.

“All the countries that are taking to the sport as of late are naturally attracted to the T20 format since it's the most exciting.”

Lara, though, is not a fan of expanding the number of country’s in the sport’s existing major tournaments. The West Indian said: “Moving onto the longer formats, you want good quality and intense cricket and only the best teams in the world can offer that."

"Therefore, I feel the number of teams in the World T20 being 16 and the number in the ODI World Cup being 10 is just right!"

Speaking in a Reddit AMA, Lara also analysed how his own game may have been affected by the advent of T20 cricket.  “I had 25 or so (ODI appearances) before my second test match, which helped me with the attacking side of my game,” Lara said.

“If I was to play cricket in this era, with the advent of T20, I feel it would have the same effect on me where it wouldn't affect my ability to play test cricket but only enhance it allowing me to score faster.”