Cricket was cleared to pursue its bid to be included in future Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rubberstamped the sport's recognition on Thursday.
Cricket, powerboating and sports climbing became the latest sports to be officially recognised by the IOC, a status necessary before launching a bid to become part of the Olympic programme.
"The session gave definite recognition to the three federations," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters. The three sports can now bid to join the 2020 Olympics as the programme is always determined seven years in advance.
Golf and rugby were latest inclusions in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games when an IOC session voted them in last year.
The decision about new sports for the 2020 Games will be taken at the IOC session in Buenos Aires in 2013 where the host country will also be picked.
