Team GB Cricket Teams in the Works for 2028 Olympics
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking the sport’s return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have initiated discussions to field men’s and women’s Team GB cricket teams at the Games.
The ICC has proposed six-team T20 tournaments for both the women’s and men’s competitions, with each tournament expected to last around a week. Qualification details are yet to be confirmed, but the ICC’s T20I rankings will likely play a role.
If England qualifies, they will compete as Great Britain, in line with the rest of the Olympics. This opens up the possibility of Scottish players, such as Brandon McMullen or Sarah and Kathryn Bryce, representing Team GB.
The ECB and Cricket Scotland are collaborating on the proposed Team GB cricket teams. Cricket Scotland is eager to contribute players and staff, while the ECB will serve as the teams’ nominated governing body.
Andy Anson, the chief executive of the British Olympic Association, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the ECB and Cricket Scotland. He cited successful examples in other sports, such as golf, rugby, and women’s football, where the Four Nations have come together to nominate a single governing body.
The venue for the cricket events at the 2028 Olympics is yet to be confirmed. Los Angeles Knight Riders and Major League Cricket are planning to build a stadium in Great Park in Irvine, while the Oakland Coliseum is also a potential option.
West Indies’ potential involvement presents some complications, as cricket is organized on an all-Ireland basis. However, there is precedent from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where Barbados represented West Indies in the women’s cricket event.
Involvement in the Olympics will add to an already busy 2028 summer for England’s men, which includes six Tests and white-ball tours from Australia and India.
