Cricket West Indies calls for inclusive pathways to Olympic participation

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging that the unique structure of West Indies cricket be fairly considered in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding qualification for cricket at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Unlike other Olympic participants, the West Indies represents a collective of sovereign Caribbean nations rather than a single country. With T20 cricket set to debut at the 2028 Games, CWI has raised concerns about how its teams will be accommodated under current Olympic eligibility rules, which only allow participation by independent nations.

In its communication, CWI proposed two inclusive and practical qualification models that would allow Caribbean nations, with strong Olympic traditions, to participate in line with the values and requirements of the Olympic Charter.

CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow made an emphatic appeal for fairness and inclusion:
“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 long inspired our athletes. The Olympic Charter champions fairness, transparency, and universality. We ask only that these principles be reflected not just in words, but in action. West Indies cricket must have a pathway and fully deserves the opportunity to compete.”

CWI’s appeal comes amid concerns that, under current Olympic rules, the West Indies men’s and women’s cricket teams would be ineligible for participation.

To address this, CWI has recommended two potential pathways:

Internal Qualification Model: If the West Indies men’s or women’s teams meet ICC Olympic qualification criteria, a tournament among Olympic-affiliated Caribbean nations could determine which country will represent the region at the Games.
Expanded Global Qualification Pathway: A revised qualification system that includes associate ICC members across the five ICC Development Regions, along with the individual member countries of the West Indies.
In its proposal, CWI cites the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which requires qualification systems to be “fair and transparent” and to promote universal representation, equal access, and the inclusion of top athletes from all regions.

CWI reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with the ICC and expressed readiness to collaborate on a qualification framework that upholds Olympic values while recognizing the unique composition of Caribbean cricket.