He is convinced the short format is the ideal way to spread the game around the globe to non-traditional cricket countries and that the Olympics is the perfect setting for the achievement of that ambition.

Gilchrist, who made his comments while giving the annual MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord's, has long been convinced of the merits of Twenty20 and is rapidly emerging as the main spokesman for its inclusin in the Olympics.

A fine wicket-keeper/batsman in all formats and an especially dynamic hitter in the one-day game, Gilchrist retired from Test cricket last year.

But he has since led the Deccan Chargers to the 2009 Indian Premier League Twenty20 title and was a commentator during the World Twenty20 Cup, which was won by Pakistan at Lord's on Sunday.

 

Gilchrist said: "We must actively pursue Twenty20's inclusion as an Olympic sport.

"It is a great challenge, but what a great and worthwhile challenge.
 

"It would be difficult to see a better or more effective way to spread the game throughout the world.

 

"What better way for the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to spread the Olympic brand and ideals than on the back of Twenty20 cricket?" he asked.
 

"If it became an Olympic sport, many countries would be playing cricket for the first time in their history.
 

"It should sit at the heart of the ICC's (International Cricket Council) global strategy.

 

"In my opinion, every cricket administrator should promote Olympic ambition for our sport."
 

However, Gilchrist - speaking just a fortnight before the latest Ashes series - stressed the enduring importance of Test cricket.

He said: "Test cricket will always remain completely inaccessible to those who are unfamiliar with it.
 

"To preserve its future, we must make less more. We should go back to the future, with fewer Test matches but more important ones.
 

"Twenty20 cricket ... will never ever be or should it attempt to be Test cricket.
 

"But as members of the international cricket community, the most important thing is to approach any new development as an opportunity rather than a problem."
 

Baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash are all competing for a place in the 2016 Olympic programme.

A decision on which, if any, of these sports should occupy two places available for 2016 will be made in Copenhagen in October.