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With cricket set to return at the Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles, marking its comeback after 128 years, the sport will be played in the T20 format with six teams participating across men’s and women’s category respectively. Recently, LA Olympics announced the schedule of the upcoming quadrennial Games, which also confirmed that cricket matches will kickstart from July 12, two days prior to the start of the Games.
But with the sport waiting for its much-awaited return, one of the most capped teams, West Indies’ participation at the quadrennial Games hangs in doubt. It is to be noted that West Indies isn’t actually a country. It’s a combined cricket team consisting of 12 sovereign nations and many overseas territories. In Olympics, only countries with recognised National Olympic Committees (NOCs) can take part, which implies that WI might now find a place.
West Indies cricket team’s participation at LA 2028 Olympics in doubt over identity rule
At the time of writing, there however remains no clear picture on West Indies participation at the Olympic Games, a stance which was asserted by CWI President. Speaking to AFP, CWI President, Kishore Shallow said, “There is currently no clear pathway for a West Indies cricket team to participate in the Olympics.”
He further opined, “Cricket’s return to the Games in 2028 must not exclude our young cricketers from the same dream that has inspired our athletes. The Caribbean has always punched above its weight at the Olympics, inspiring the world with our athletic brilliance.”
Although, there is no certainity on whether each country can participate in multi-sport events in the Olympic Games, Chris Dehring, Project Director of CWI’s T20 World Cup 2024, in all requested to consider this move. “All we are asking is that our individual nations’ exceptional Olympic legacy be considered in the conversation,” he stated.
It is to be noted that cricket will see only six teams participate in the men’s and women’s category, with the matches reportedly being played at a makeshift venues in the City of Pomona, West Coast (USA). While the cricket matches will commence from July 12, the first set to medal matches will be played on July 19, followed by the next set, set to be played on July 29.
