The Indian Olympic Association hailed the inclusion of cricket in the "Olympic family".

The association also hoped that the game will make its debut in the 2020 Games.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday gave its nod to the inclusion of cricket, in Vancouver, where Winter Olympics have started.

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi welcomed the IOC move.

"Cricket has become popular in many countries of the world and I congratulate the International Olympic Committee for including cricket as a Olympic sport and look forward to it being part of the Olympics in 2020," Kalmadi said in a statement.

"The Olympic Council of Asia has already introduced cricket in the Asian Games for the Guangzhou Asian Games China in 2010. This gives a great opportunity for countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be medal hopefuls in future Olympics. I welcome cricket to the Olympic family," the statement added.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) officials have also hailed the move but were not sure when the game would make its debut.