LA28: ECB, Cricket Scotland in talks to field joint teams
The England Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have begun talks about fielding combined men's and women's cricket teams for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This development comes as cricket is set to make its Olympic return after a 128-year hiatus, following its approval last year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suggested six-team T20 tournaments for both genders.
Qualification details and team composition
The specifics of the qualification process for the cricket teams are yet to be confirmed. However, it is known that the ICC's T20I rankings will play a role in some capacity. If England qualifies, they will compete as Great Britain, following Olympic tradition. This arrangement could provide opportunities for Scottish players like Brandon McMullen and sisters Sarah and Kathryn Bryce to participate.
Cricket Scotland seeks active role in team management
Cricket Scotland is advocating for an active role in managing the teams and is keen to contribute players and staff. Despite this, the ECB will be the nominated governing body of the teams. An ECB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo, "With the Los Angeles Olympics four years away, it's very early stages, but we're talking to Team GB and Cricket Scotland about the next steps we need to take."
British Olympic Association CEO comments on collaboration
Andy Anson, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association, pointed out successful collaborations between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in sports like golf, rugby and women's football. He expressed confidence that cricket would follow a similar path with one country nominated as the main governing body while working with other countries. Anson stated that "The ECB will be at the center of that. They'll have to work with Cricket Scotland to make sure that happens properly."
Northern Irish cricketers unlikely to join Team GB
Team GB officially includes athletes from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. However, as cricket is organized on an all-Ireland basis, top Northern Irish cricketers like Mark Adair and Paul Stirling are unlikely to nominate themselves for Team GB. This arrangement reflects the unique structure of cricket in the region.
Venue for 2028 Olympic cricket events still undecided
The location for the cricket events at the 2028 Olympics is yet to be confirmed. Potential options include a new stadium planned by the Los Angeles Knight Riders and Major League Cricket in Great Park, Irvine, or the Oakland Coliseum. The potential involvement of the West Indies also presents some complications, although there is a precedent from the 2022 Commonwealth Games where they were represented by Barbados.
