Olympic Cricket 2028: West Indies Face Uncertainty and Pressure

Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles—after a 128-year absence. However, the historic occasion has become a matter of concern and pressure for the West Indies, who may not be able to participate as a unified team due to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) eligibility criteria.

According to IOC guidelines, only sovereign nations with recognized National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are allowed to compete. This poses a major problem for the West Indies cricket team, which represents a coalition of multiple Caribbean island nations. As a result, the traditional West Indies team cannot participate in the Olympics as a single entity.

In response, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to explore a solution that would allow the West Indies to participate as a joint team. CWI argues that excluding the region, despite its century-old cricket legacy, cultural unity, and deep talent pool, would be a significant injustice.

The 2028 Olympics will feature six men’s and six women’s teams in the T20 format. Host nation USA will automatically qualify, while the remaining spots will be determined through ICC rankings and performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This limited number of spots increases the risk of traditionally strong teams—like South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or even Bangladesh—being left out.

The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees has voiced its support for CWI’s stance. Its President, Keith Joseph, stated that the West Indies cricket team symbolizes unity across the Caribbean, and they should be allowed to compete as one.

The cricket matches in the 2028 Olympics will be held at the Fairplex complex, 50 kilometers from Los Angeles, where a temporary stadium will be built.

Discussions are currently ongoing between the ICC, CWI, and regional Olympic authorities. One proposal being considered is to hold a Caribbean qualification round, though this would not retain the official "West Indies" identity.

CWI insists that an inclusive policy must be adopted to ensure that Caribbean cricketers are allowed to participate in the Olympics and that the region’s collective sporting identity is preserved on the world stage.