Israel Cricket is seeking to strengthen ties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as it looks to develop the sport, improve its cricketing ecosystem and build towards qualification for the 2032 Olympic Games, with Yuval Viner, Business and Strategic Manager of the Israeli Cricket Association, outlining the organisation’s ambitions in an interview with Hindustan Times.
Cricket’s return to the Olympic programme at the 2028 Los Angeles Games has provided fresh momentum for emerging nations, and Israel is aiming to use the opportunity to establish stronger domestic foundations before targeting a place at the Brisbane Olympics four years later.
A long-term vision for growth
Although cricket remains a niche sport in Israel, the association believes years of steady participation have created a platform from which the game can now begin expanding more strategically.
Viner told Hindustan Times: “Sri Lankan and Indian workers are coming to Israel. There are parts in Israel that play cricket; it’s people who came from South Africa and Australia, and historically, cricket in Israel has been around for a long time without any real direction toward professionalism, because most of the players are workers during the day, and they play around.”
The association now wants to transform that enthusiasm into a more structured pathway by expanding participation, attracting investment and creating stronger domestic foundations.
Olympic opportunity drives infrastructure plans
Israel Cricket sees the Olympics as an opportunity to accelerate development, but recognises that investment in facilities and the wider cricket ecosystem will be essential if those ambitions are to be realised.
He said: “We don’t really have dedicated cricket grounds. What exists today would not be considered proper cricket infrastructure by international standards. But what we do have is a genuine love for the game. People want to play cricket, and its inclusion in the Olympics has created a window of opportunity for us. Through discussions with club owners across the country, we are trying to build on that momentum. At present, there are around 12 cricket clubs in Israel.”
Alongside those efforts, the association has expanded its domestic structure by establishing women’s teams, growing participation to around 18 teams and working to secure sponsorship and investment to support the sport’s long-term development.
India viewed as a key partner
As part of its long-term strategy, Israel Cricket is looking beyond its own borders for partnerships that could help accelerate progress and strengthen the foundations of the game.
He added: “India, as the holy grail of cricket, has a huge role to play through the BCCI. The board has already supported countries like Nepal and Afghanistan, and we’re hoping it can do something similar for Israel. Given the relationship between India and Israel, we want to build a bridge that brings Indian cricket closer to our country. The BCCI is the best partner we could ask for because it has shown a genuine commitment to helping emerging cricket nations grow. Just look at Nepal. Four or five years ago, they weren’t where they are today. Now they’ve made remarkable progress. We are still a long way from that level, but that’s the path we want to follow.”
Former India cricketer and former Mumbai Captain Nilesh Kulkarni is also contributing to the game’s development in Israel as a member of the Israeli Cricket Association’s advisory board.
Cricket as a bridge between nations
The association believes the relationship between India and Israel provides an opportunity to extend cooperation into sport as cricket continues its expansion in the country.
He noted: “The strategic partnership between India and Israel has achieved historic milestones in areas such as defence, agriculture and technology. Today, as Israel looks to strengthen its cricket infrastructure and nurture the next generation of players – many of whom come from the Indian-Jewish diaspora – there is a unique opportunity to extend that partnership into the realm of sports diplomacy.”
Israel Cricket is also looking to strengthen its talent pool by encouraging former cricketers willing to represent Israel and by identifying eligible Jewish players who make Aliyah, as part of its long-term development plans.
