How is Cricket West Indies Advocating for Olympic Inclusion?

St. John’s (Antigua), May 15 (NationPress) Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging that the distinctive nature of West Indies cricket be adequately considered in the ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concerning qualification for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

While the IOC permits individual countries to compete in the Olympic Games, the West Indies comprises several distinct geographic nations. With cricket set to debut in the T20 format at the Los Angeles 2028 event, CWI has raised concerns about the management of its team.

In its communication, CWI proposed two inclusive and workable qualification pathways that would allow independent Caribbean nations, many of which boast rich Olympic histories, to take part in Olympic cricket in accordance with the principles and standards of the Olympic Charter.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, the President of Cricket West Indies, passionately advocated for fairness and inclusion: “The Caribbean has consistently excelled at the Olympics, inspiring the world with our athletic prowess. The return of cricket to the Games in 2028 must not deny our young cricketers the same aspirations that have motivated our athletes.

“The Olympic Charter stresses fairness, transparency, and universality. We simply ask that these values be honored—not merely in spirit, but in practice. West Indies cricket deserves a pathway and the chance to compete,” he stated.

CWI’s proposal arises from the current Olympic regulations that would prevent the West Indies Men's and Women's teams from participating in the Olympics.

In light of this, CWI is pushing for either:

1. If rankings are utilized and the West Indies men's and women's teams qualify, an internal qualifying tournament among its Olympic-affiliated member nations will decide which country represents the West Indies; or

2. A global qualifying pathway that encompasses associate ICC members from the 5 ICC Development Regions, in addition to member nations of the West Indies.

CWI’s submission to the ICC references the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which stipulates that qualification criteria must be “fair and transparent” and aligned with the essential principles of the Olympic Movement. These principles include universal representation, equal access, and the inclusion of the finest athletes from all regions.

CWI is dedicated to fostering constructive discussions with the ICC and is enthusiastic about collaborating to develop a qualification process that honors both the Olympic spirit and the realities of cricket in the Caribbean.