Cricket West Indies Appeals for Olympic Inclusion

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its inclusion in the qualification process for cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

In its appeal, CWI proposed two feasible qualification options that would allow individual Caribbean nations to participate.

CWI recommends that either the West Indies men’s and women’s teams qualify through rankings, a regional tournament among the Olympic-affiliated Caribbean nations that would decide the final representative, or a global qualifying structure that includes ICC associate members from the five ICC Development Regions, along with West Indies member countries.

“The Caribbean has always punched above its weight at the Olympics, inspiring the world with our athletic brilliance. Cricket’s return to the Games in 2028 must not exclude our young cricketers from the same dream that has inspired our athletes," said Dr. Kishore Shallow, CWI President.

The CWI proposal references the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which demands qualification systems be “fair and transparent” and support universal access and equal opportunity for top athletes.

"We are simply asking that these principles be upheld not just in spirit, but in structure. West Indies cricket must have a pathway, and fully deserves an opportunity to compete," Dr. Shallow added.

On his part, Chris Dehring, CEO of CWI, emphasized the need for meaningful engagement:

“All we are asking is that our individual nations' exceptional Olympic legacy be considered in the conversation. The structure of West Indies cricket is unique, with men's and women's teams representing 15 individual nations and territories, each with its own Olympic identity. We cannot let this once-in-a-generation opportunity for national development pass without creating a way for our countries to participate."

“We are ready to collaborate. We are ready to compete. But above all, we are asking for fairness,” Dehring added.