The New Indian Express ·
For cricket to become a global sport, it should be played in different countries: Gavaskar ahead of Asiad
CHENNAI: As Japan are set to host the Asian Games, cricket in the country and facilities have been the talking point over the last few weeks. The buzz has only gone up since the BCCI announced that India will play Japan in a T20I before the discipline begins.
While several questions have been raised about the venue, athletes' staying arrangements and reception for cricket, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that for cricket to become a global sport, it should be played in different countries and conditions. "I think if cricket has to become a world sport, it has to be played in different conditions, different countries as well; even in countries where cricket is not even in the top-five sports. I think that is where it becomes that much more interesting," Gavaskar said in an interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.
The legendary batter cited the Olympics as an example and said the facilities may not be the same as in a top cricketing nation, but it adds to the challenge. "At the Olympics, for example, you could play in a city which is not a cricket city. Therefore, you might get facilities which are not always the best or facilities you are used to. I think that is the challenge. For the game to grow, the game has to be played in different cities, different parts of the world, different continents. So, I think this is something I would encourage if the game has to grow: play wherever possible," explained the Mumbaikar.
