Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially communicated with the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging that the distinct structure of West Indies cricket be appropriately recognized in ongoing negotiations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

While the IOC permits individual nations to compete in the Olympics, the West Indies comprises multiple geographical territories. With cricket set to debut in T20 format at Los Angeles 2028, Cricket West Indies has raised concerns regarding the representation of its team.

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In its letter, CWI proposed two inclusive and practical pathways for qualification, enabling sovereign Caribbean nations, which have rich Olympic traditions, to engage in Olympic cricket while adhering to the Olympic Charter’s values and requirements.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, passionately called for equity and inclusion: “The Caribbean has consistently excelled in the Olympics, inspiring admiration with our athletic prowess. Cricket’s return to the Games in 2028 should not deny our young cricketers the chance to dream as our athletes have.”

“The Olympic Charter emphasizes fairness, transparency, and universality. We urge that these principles be maintained—not just in intent, but in practice. West Indies cricket deserves a clear path to compete,” he emphasized.

CWI’s proposal arises from current Olympic regulations that may prevent the West Indies Men’s and Women’s teams from participating.

In response, CWI advocates for either of the following options:

1. If rankings qualify the West Indies men’s and women’s teams, an internal qualifying tournament among its Olympic-affiliated member nations will decide which country will represent the West Indies.

2. A global qualification pathway that encompasses associate ICC members from the five ICC Development Regions, alongside member nations of the West Indies.

CWI’s submission to the ICC references the Olympic Charter’s Bye-law to Rule 40, which stipulates that qualification criteria must be “fair and transparent,” in alignment with the Olympic Movement’s core principles: universal representation, equitable access, and participation by the best athletes from all regions.

CWI is dedicated to open dialogue with the ICC and is eager to collaborate in crafting a qualification process that honors both the Olympic ideals and the unique realities of cricket in the Caribbean.

When Nishika Aggarwal from Telangana stepped onto the mats at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, her pursuit extended beyond mere athletic ambition. Emerging from a conservative Aggarwal family in Hyderabad, where girls traditionally shun competitive sports, Nishika not only embraced gymnastics but thrived in it.

The 17-year-old Khelo India Athlete (KIA) concluded her campaign with an impressive haul of four medals: two gold and two bronze in artistic gymnastics at the KIYG 2025 held at IG Stadium, New Delhi. She earned gold medals in the All-Around and Vaulting Table events, alongside bronzes in the Uneven Bars and Balance Beam events.

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Rooted in business and academics, Nishika’s venture into sports challenges the cultural norms often associated with the Aggarwal family.

“In our Aggarwal culture, girls often lack encouragement to pursue sports. If it weren’t for my parents’ understanding and support, I wouldn’t be here today,” Nishika shared with SAI Media. “They’ve always been there for me, making sure I faced no obstacles in this field.”

Nishika takes pride in defying expectations, having begun her gymnastics journey at the age of seven. “I won’t criticize the culture, but I believe everything evolves over time. Nowadays, things are improving. I’m glad to see more young people from the Aggarwal community engaging in sports, encouraged by their parents. With support and determination, there’s nothing you can’t achieve,” she remarked.

A Class 12 student at Gaudium School in Telangana, Nishika started gymnastics at the LB Stadium in Hyderabad during a summer camp when she was just seven. Now training at Gaudium Sportopia, a SAI-accredited center, under coach Manoj Rana, she is emerging as one of India’s promising young gymnasts.

“Initially, I joined gymnastics for fun because I was an active child involved in various school activities. I had no specific intent. However, as I started winning medals and training seriously at 12 with Manoj Sir, my perspective changed. Now I train like a professional,” Nishika told SAI Media.

Transitioning into the senior category last year was a daunting experience for her, filled with self-doubt about competing in a higher age group. Ultimately, she channeled her hard work to adapt. After participating in several senior nationals leading up to KIYG 2025, Nishika has regained her confidence.

The Khelo India Games left her with a profound connection to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, which she describes as her second home. “This gym holds special significance for me. I’ve attended numerous national camps here, and I keep returning. Even though I’m from Telangana, Delhi feels like my home ground. The facilities, lighting, music system, and overall energy of this place inspire me,” Nishika expressed.

Looking ahead, Nishika is poised for the Asian Championships in June, marking her debut at an Asian meet. “Gymnast Aruna Reddy, the first Indian to earn a world podium in gymnastics, inspires me. She trains at the same gym, and I’ve learned a lot from her journey. Despite her injuries, she continues to strive. My life mantra mirrors hers: ‘Enjoy whatever you are doing and never give up,’” added the Khelo India Athlete.

It was a Monday that profoundly impacted Indian cricket fans. Just weeks ahead of India’s eagerly awaited five-Test tour of England, Virat Kohli, one of the game’s greats, announced his retirement from Test cricket. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri noted he had sensed this coming—quietly, personally, and profoundly.

In a discussion on The ICC Review, Shastri revealed details of a private conversation with Kohli that took place a week before the official announcement. “I spoke to him about it,” Shastri said. “His mind was made up. He told me, ‘I’ve given everything.’”

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Shastri emphasized that Kohli had no hesitation or regrets—just a serene acceptance of the moment. “There were a couple of questions I asked, but what struck me was the clarity in his voice,” Shastri said. “His mind signaled to his body that it was time to step away.”

Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a remarkable era, finishing with 9,230 Test runs, 30 centuries, and the record of India’s most successful captain in the format, with 40 wins out of 68 matches—outpacing MS Dhoni’s 27.

Yet, beyond the statistics, it was the intensity that characterized his game: the exuberant celebrations, fierce competitiveness, and unyielding passion that endeared him to fans and made him a formidable rival.

Shastri, who coached the team from 2017 to 2021 during Kohli’s golden era, highlighted the toll that such intensity can incur.

“When he committed to something, he gave it his all,” Shastri remarked. “However, being that invested—taking responsibility for every wicket, catch, and decision—can ultimately lead to burnout.”

While the announcement surprised many, the reasons behind it were clear. Kohli had faced immense scrutiny throughout his career. From spirited celebrations in Australia to confrontations in England, he often polarized audiences but consistently drew in fans.

Shastri noted that the pressure of being the face of Indian cricket for over a decade finally took its toll.