IOC chief rules out cricket in Olympics in near future

Lahore, Nov 24 (UNI) Though he himself is fond of the bat-ball game, IOC President Jacques Rogge has ruled out Olympic game status for cricket in the near future.

The International Olympic Committee chief, however, informed that IOC would decide on squash's Olympic status in 2009, according to an APP report here.

''The International Cricket Council itself has not applied for Olympic membership and the game is unlikely to get entry into the IOC community though I myself am fond of cricket,'' Mr Rogge, who is visiting Pakistan, told reporters in Islamabad after meeting President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

On squash's chances, he said the IOC was keen to include this game in the 2016 Olympics.

''The host city of 2016 Olympics would be decided in 2009 and at that time the sports to be played in 2016 Olympics will also be decided,'' he explained.

Mr Rogge was accompanied by President Pakistan Olympic Association, Lt Gen (retd) Syed Arif Hasan, and IOC member from Pakistan, Shahid Ali Shah.

''I have to persuade other heads of state and government to work for promotion of sports but here both the President and PM of Pakistan are lovers of sports and as such are keen for sports promotion,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Olympic Association chief Gen Arif said POA was ensuring 20 per cent representation of women in all sports bodies and federations as required by IOC.

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