World Cup
England won the last 50-over World Cup (Credits: Twitter)

While the cricketing world is still basking in glory after one of the best World Cups ever held, Russia has officially refused to recognise cricket as a sport. Cricket is widely recognised as the second most popular team game on the planet after football but the Russian Sports Ministry has refused to give the game much attention.

Russia’s “registry of sports” lists recognised disciplines that include ice stock sport — similar to curling — and korfball — a Dutch unisex sport. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised cricket, which has not featured in the Summer Games since 1900, a decade ago.

“Refuse recognition of cricket as a sport,” reads the memo authored by Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov dated Monday, July 15.

Bizarre As Russia Refuses To Recognise Cricket As Sport
Virat Kohli. Credit: Getty Images

The decision comes in the wake of a stunning World Cup in England and Wales. Hosts England beat New Zealand in arguably the greatest final of all time to lift their first-ever World Cup. Prior to the win, England had lost four World Cup finals with the last one coming way back in 1992. New Zealand, on the other hand, lost their second World Cup final in a row.

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Both the teams scored 241 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The Super Over also ended in a tie with both the teams scoring 15. However, England were awarded the trophy on the virtue of hitting more number of boundaries.

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Talking about the money involved in this World Cup, the total prize money for the Cricket World Cup was $10 million (Rs 69.6 crore). The winner received $4 million and the runners-up took home $2 million, the highest ever purse for a cricket world cup. The losing semi-finalists got $800,000 each. The next few years have some big tournaments lined up in cricket like Test Championship, World T20 as well as the next World Cup.