ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure that the unique structure of West Indies cricket is fairly represented in qualification plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In a formal submission, CWI proposed two inclusive qualification pathways that would allow Caribbean nations, many with storied Olympic traditions, to compete in cricket’s return to the Games, aligning with the Olympic Charter’s principles of fairness, universality, and equal opportunity.

CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow stressed the importance of inclusion.

“The Caribbean has consistently overachieved at the Olympics, showcasing world-class talent,” he said. “Now, as cricket rejoins the Olympic programme, our young cricketers deserve the same chance to chase Olympic glory. The Olympic Charter stands for fairness and universal access, and we are simply asking that these values be reflected in the qualification process. West Indies cricket has earned its place on the global stage and must not be left out.”

Olympic regulations would prevent the West Indies men’s and women’s teams from participating, as they represent a collective of sovereign nations rather than a single Olympic-recognised country.

To resolve this, CWI has suggested an internal qualification pathway. If the West Indies team qualifies via ICC rankings, an internal tournament among its Olympic-eligible member nations would decide which country represents the region.

The global qualification route is a worldwide qualification system that includes associate ICC members from all five development regions and individual West Indies nations.

CWI’s proposal references the Olympic Charter’s Rule 40, which requires qualification systems to be transparent, equitable, and designed to promote global representation.

CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring emphasised the need for collaboration.

“Our nations have a proud Olympic history, with countless medals won under their flags,” he said. “The structure of West Indies cricket is unique, 15 nations united under one team, each with its own Olympic identity. We cannot allow this historic opportunity to pass without ensuring our cricketers have a fair shot. The Olympic spirit, which we have helped uphold for decades, must guide these discussions.

“Our athletes have stood atop Olympic podiums for generations. Now, we must ensure our cricketers aren’t denied their chance to make history. We are ready to work with the ICC and IOC to find a solution that honours both the Olympic ideals and the legacy of West Indies cricket.”