ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging fair consideration for the unique West Indies cricket structure in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on qualification for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In its official communication, CWI proposed two inclusive and practical qualification pathways to ensure that sovereign Caribbean nations—many with celebrated Olympic histories—can participate in Olympic cricket, consistent with the values of the Olympic Charter.
CWI proposes equitable Olympic cricket qualification options
President of CWI, Dr. Kishore Shallow, emphasized the region’s Olympic legacy and the need for structural fairness:
“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. The Olympic Charter emphasizes fairness, transparency, and universality. 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 deserve an opportunity to compete.”
Given current IOC rules, West Indies men’s and women’s teams would be ineligible to participate under their unified structure. To address this, CWI is advocating for one of two solutions:
- Internal qualification pathway: If ICC rankings are used and West Indies teams qualify, an internal qualifying tournament among CWI’s Olympic-affiliated member nations will determine who represents the region.
- Global qualifying pathway: A broader qualification format that includes associate members across ICC’s five Development Regions, alongside West Indies member countries.
Olympic values cited in CWI appeal
CWI’s proposal references the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which requires that qualification criteria be “fair and transparent” and designed around universal representation and equal opportunity for top athletes globally.
Chris Dehring, Chief Executive Officer of CWI, highlighted the region’s legacy and the need for inclusion:
“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—men and women 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.”
He added:
“Our nations have proudly flown their individual flags atop Olympic podiums as perennial gold medalists. Now, with cricket’s inclusion, we must ensure that our cricketers are not shut out of history. We are ready to collaborate. We are ready to compete. But above all, we are asking for fairness.”
CWI seeks collaborative resolution with ICC and IOC
CWI has reiterated its commitment to working constructively with both the ICC and the IOC to design a pathway that honors the Olympic ethos while addressing the distinctive realities of cricket in the Caribbean. The organization believes the 2028 Olympics represents a critical opportunity for young Caribbean cricketers and the broader regional development agenda.
