Tuesday 5 July 2016 19:15, UK
The ICC has submitted an application for women's cricket to be included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in South Africa.
The games are set to be held in Durban and the ICC hope its inclusion will provide top female cricketers with an opportunity to feature in an additional high profile competition as well as showcase the growth of the sport.
The ICC will now work closely with the Commonwealth Games Federation to secure a spot on the tournament's programme and to determine the specific structure and qualification process that will be applied.
Board chairman Shashank Manohar welcomed the plans and says it would be step in the right direction for equality in sport.
"The Board has taken a strategic decision to support the inclusion of women's cricket in the 2022 Commonwealth Games as it will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers, as well as opportunities to engage with the Commonwealth Games on important social justice issues and initiatives," said Manohar.
"There will be further discussions on cricket's potential participation in the Olympic Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee later in the year."
