Olympics 2028. (Source – Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)
Cricket is set to make a historic return to the Olympics after more than a century. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have initiated discussions regarding the formation of Team Great Britain for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved cricket’s inclusion in the LA28 games late last year, marking its first appearance since 1900. While the specifics are yet to be finalized, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed a six-team T20 tournament for both men’s and women’s competitions, each lasting approximately a week.
The reason for a merged Team GB presents an opportunity for Scottish players to potentially join forces with their English counterparts. This collaboration could see talented Scottish cricketers like Brandon McMullen or the Bryce sisters, Sarah and Kathryn, donning the Team GB colours. An ECB spokesperson highlighted the early stages of these discussions.
“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,” an ECB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.
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More people to develop a love for cricket: ECB spokesperson
The spokesperson also mentioned that despite England and Wales hosting the next T20 World Cups for both men and women, it is a great opportunity for inspiring people to take up the sport.
“Along with England and Wales hosting Women’s and Men’s [T20] World Cups in 2026 and 2030, it’s another great opportunity to grow the game and inspire more people to develop a love for cricket.”
The British Olympic Association (BOA) is drawing from its experience in other sports to facilitate this union. Andy Anson, BOA’s chief executive explained how the counties can come together and work like a group.
“We’ve got good experience in golf, in rugby, and in women’s football, of how the Four Nations [England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland] can come together and nominate one country to be the main governing body and work with the other countries. So I think cricket will be the same,” Anson said.
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While the ECB will serve as the nominated governing body, Cricket Scotland is pushing for active involvement in the team’s operations, including contributing players and staff. The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is not without its challenges. Issues such as venue selection, potential conflicts with existing cricket calendars, and the unique situation of teams like the West Indies will need to be addressed.