ECB Backs India’s 2036 Olympic Bid, Richard Gould Sees Ahmedabad as Potential Host City

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has expressed its interest in backing India to host the Olympic Games 2036 in their backyard.

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould made the position of the board very clear. Gould also highlighted the growing influence of cricket in the global world, given that the game returns to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles after more than a century.

According to a report by the Dainik Jagran, Gould specifically identified the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad as a valuable rehearsal for the organisational and infrastructure demands India would face while hosting the Olympics. His remarks came during the ongoing seven-match mixed EC cricket series between India and England, which has brought the two cricket boards into close collaboration beyond the playing field.

Earlier, the Indian Olympic Association formally submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee on October 1, 2024, declaring India’s desire to stage the 2036 Games. Ahmedabad has since been confirmed as India’s nominated host city for the bid.

What Is The Status OF IOA’s Olympic Bid?

India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games remains in the early stages of the International Olympic Committee’s selection process. The IOC’s framework centres on a Targeted Dialogue phase, following which the Future Host Commission will submit its recommendations to the IOC Session. The IOC Executive Board will then identify the preferred candidates, with the final contenders set to face a vote at the IOC Session in mid-2029.

India’s candidature has yet to reach that stage. The IOC has previously raised significant fundamental concerns regarding the bid, meaning further structured discussions between Indian authorities and the global Olympic body will be necessary before any formal recommendation can be made. No decision has been reached yet.