Cricket West Indies Pushes for Olympic Inclusion Ahead of 2028 Games

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to advocate for the inclusion of Caribbean nations in cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This request emphasizes the need for equitable opportunities for West Indies teams during the Olympic qualification discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In its communication, CWI has proposed two qualification pathways that would allow sovereign Caribbean nations to partake in Olympic cricket while reflecting the Olympic values of fairness and universality. Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, highlighted the historical success of Caribbean athletes in the Olympics and called for justice in cricket’s Olympic participation. “We are simply asking that the principles of the Olympic Charter—fairness, transparency, and universality—be upheld,” he said.

CWI’s initiative comes at a critical time, as current Olympic guidelines may lead to the exclusion of West Indies Men and Women teams. CWI noted the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40 mandates that qualification criteria must be fair and transparent. “The unique structure of West Indies cricket, with teams representing 15 nations and territories, must be recognized,” emphasized Chris Dehring, Chief Executive Officer of CWI.

Dehring reiterated the importance of constructing a pathway for Caribbean cricketers, adding, “We cannot let this once-in-a-generation opportunity pass without a way for our countries to participate.” CWI remains committed to open dialogue with the ICC to shape a qualification process that respects both the Olympic ethos and the realities of the region’s cricket landscape.