Cricket West Indies (CWI) is advocating for Caribbean nations to be included in the qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will make its return for the first time since 1900. The event will feature a six-team T20 format for both men and women. CWI is concerned that the Caribbean region, historically one of the sport’s powerhouses and geographically closest to Los Angeles, may be excluded, especially if the qualification is based solely on world rankings.
Currently, individual territories like Barbados and Jamaica, while participating as part of the West Indies team in cricket, are recognized as separate entities in the Olympics. CWI Chief Executive Chris Dehring emphasized the need to consider the Olympic legacy of these nations in the qualification dialogue, pointing out their historical success in the Olympic Games.
CWI’s stance reflects a desire to ensure that Caribbean cricketers are given the opportunity to compete on the world stage, where they have previously excelled as T20 world champions. The organization has proposed two potential paths for regional representation: an inter-Caribbean qualifying tournament or a tailored qualifying process that includes each Caribbean nation.
CWI President Kishore Shallow highlighted the Caribbean’s tradition of inspiring athletic excellence and underscored the importance of including young cricketers in the Olympic opportunity.
This appeal underscores the broader sentiment of inclusion and recognition for Caribbean nations, emphasizing their past achievements and the need for fair representation in upcoming global events. The dialogue continues as cricket’s return to the Olympics presents a significant opportunity for these athletes.