The International Cricket Council has taken further steps towards cricket’s return to the Olympics.

ESPNcricinfo reports that the game’s governing body recently asked all its members to submit reports on the potential financial benefits of inclusion.

In South Africa’s case, this report would include projections of what Cricket South Africa could expect in financial support from government and Sascoc – with distinctions requested between the support it would receive if cricket was accepted to the Games on a permanent basis or ‘on a one-off basis (e.g. 2028 LA Olympics)’.

The ICC has set a return deadline of 2 November. The results will be discussed at its next board meeting later that month.

There is thought to be growing appetite for involvement among most members, although India, Australia and England have in the past expressed concerns about how this would impact plans for lucrative bilateral series.

Cricket previously featured at the 1900 Paris Olympics.