The head of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has reportedly slammed India for the country's refusal to enter a cricket team at the Asian Games, saying that the nation's decision was killing the sport.
Twenty20 Cricket was added to the Asian Games programme four years ago as a way to try and promote the sport in the region. But India, the world's richest and most influential cricketing nation, has steadfastly refused to send a men's or women's team to either the 2010 or the 2014 Asian Games.
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) said that its players were too busy with their other commitments. The Asian Games, which ended in South Korea on Saturday, clashed with the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 taking place in India, The Dawn reported.
But the OCA president, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, said that India's stance was shortsighted and damaging the game. He said that India is killing cricket, limiting the NOCs (National Olympic Committees) participating in cricket and killing the market.
The OCA boss said that he is sorry to say this as a sports fan, but added that this is the reality and this is the reason why cricket is only a Commonwealth sport.
India has also opposed the inclusion of cricket at other multi-sports events, including the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, a stance that has put them at odds with other cricketing nations and players.
Sri Lanka, the current Twenty20 world champions, sent a team to the Asian Games and won the men's gold medal, beating Afghanistan in the final.
Al-Sabah, one of the most powerful men in the Olympic movement, said that the OCA could not force India to compete at the Asian Games but he was disappointed by its stance. He said that when they put a sport in a programme, they always wish to have the top athletes here.
He added that he is sorry that the Indian delegate did not attend, also saying that the OCA has to respect their own request.
The OCA chief further said that the people in charge want money, adding that this is not a sport, this is business.
