England’s all-format players could miss the home series against West Indies in 2028 as it clashes with the LA Olympics.
All-format England stars could miss West Indies Tests for LA Olympics
The West Indies are scheduled to tour England for three Tests in July 2028, during the same time as cricket marks its return to the Olympics after 128 years. Scheduled to be played in the T20 format, the cricket event at LA 2028 will run from July 12 to July 29, with six teams each to feature in the men’s and women’s categories.
The Telegraphreports that the ECB are keen to make their best players available for Team Great Britain for the summer games, which could see some of their all-format players miss out on the West Indies Tests. On current reputation, the likes of Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer could be among the players who fly to LA and skip the Test series.
England are also scheduled to host South Africa for three Tests in June 2028, followed by a white-ball series against India, before the West Indies visit and LA Olympics. The Hundred for the year has been postponed to August to avoid a clash with the competition.
Also read: All you need to know about cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Cricket returns to Olympics after 128 years
The cricket events at the LA Olympics are scheduled to start on July 12, two days before the scheduled opening ceremony. Six teams each will feature across genders, with the medal games for the women’s event scheduled for July 20 and for men’s on July 29.
Team Great Britain are assured of a spot as the top-ranked team in Europe, whereas India, Australia and South Africa are likely to make the cut from their respective continents. The USA, as the hosts, will also take up one of the six spots, leaving the last one still up for grabs.
Also read: The proposed Olympics qualifying format that could see New Zealand and Pakistan miss out
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