BELFAST — Ireland's teenage batting prodigy, Amy Hunter, has expressed her exhilaration at the prospect of becoming an Olympian, following the historic announcement that cricket will feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) confirmation in October 2023 that Twenty20 cricket, in both men's and women's formats, would be included for the first time since 1900 has sent waves of excitement through the global cricketing community, particularly in emerging nations like Ireland.
For Hunter, who made history as the youngest player to score an international century in women's cricket at just 16, the news opens a thrilling new chapter in her burgeoning career. Speaking ahead of Ireland's upcoming fixtures, the wicketkeeper-batter described the Olympic inclusion as a monumental opportunity for the sport and for athletes who dream of competing on the world's biggest sporting stage.
A Dream Forged in a New Era
Hunter's cricketing journey has coincided with a period of rapid growth for the women's game in Ireland. Unlike many of her predecessors, she has had visible role models and a clearer pathway to the international stage. The Olympics, however, represent a different kind of dream—one that transcends the traditional boundaries of the sport and connects with a global audience. "It would be an amazing opportunity," Hunter stated, her enthusiasm palpable. "To be an Olympian is something that every athlete dreams of, and for it to be a possibility in cricket now is incredible."
The road to LA 2028 will be highly competitive. The IOC has proposed a six-team tournament for both men and women, meaning qualification will be fiercely contested. For Ireland's women's team, currently positioned outside the top tier of international cricket, securing one of those coveted spots will require consistent performance and strategic development over the next four years. Hunter believes the Olympic goal can serve as a powerful motivator for the entire Irish set-up, from the senior squad to the grassroots level.
Aligning with a Career Trajectory
By the time the 2028 Games arrive, Amy Hunter will be 22 years old, potentially entering the prime of her career. This timeline aligns perfectly with her development, offering a tangible long-term objective. "It gives you something massive to aim for," she explained. "We have World Cups and other big tournaments, but the Olympics is on another scale in terms of profile. Knowing it's there in 2028 gives our group a real focus."
The inclusion of cricket is seen as a strategic move by the IOC to tap into the vast fan bases in South Asia and the Commonwealth, but it also offers a platform for associate nations like Ireland to showcase their talent. A strong performance on the Olympic stage could be transformative for cricket in Ireland, inspiring a new generation in the same way the men's team's famous victories over Pakistan and England in the past did.
Hunter acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic about Ireland's chances. The key, she notes, will be continuous improvement and gaining experience against the world's best teams. The Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers and other bilateral series will now carry even greater significance as they contribute to world rankings, which will likely play a role in Olympic qualification.
The Logistics and The Format
While the excitement is undeniable, details regarding the qualification process for LA 2028 are still being finalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in conjunction with the IOC. The proposed six-team format is expected to feature:
- The host nation, United States, qualifying automatically.
- The top-ranked teams in the ICC T20I rankings securing several spots.
- A final global qualification tournament to decide the remaining berths.
This structure places a premium on Ireland maintaining and improving its standing in the ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings. Every match in the coming years will count towards this goal, adding a new layer of importance to the international calendar.
A Unifying Force for the Sport
Beyond individual ambition, Hunter sees the Olympic movement as a unifying force for cricket. The prospect of living in an Olympic Village alongside athletes from every sport and nation is a unique aspect that captivates her. "It's not just about the cricket," she reflected. "It's about being part of that whole Olympic atmosphere, representing your country in a multi-sport event. That's something really special that we've never experienced before."
This sentiment is echoed by Cricket Ireland, which has welcomed the decision as a "game-changer" for the sport's development and commercial appeal in the country. The governing body is likely to align its high-performance strategies with the Olympic cycle, ensuring the women's team has the best possible support system to chase qualification.
The announcement has also been met with jubilation from established stars. Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar and Australian captain Pat Cummins are among the many high-profile players who have voiced their support, highlighting the universal appeal of cricket's return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence.
The Path Forward: Hard Work and Hope
For now, Amy Hunter's focus remains on the immediate tasks at hand: performing for Ireland in their upcoming series and continuing her personal development as a player. However, the dream of LA 2028 now burns brightly in the background. It serves as a beacon, not just for her, but for every young girl picking up a cricket bat in Ireland today.
She concluded with a determined outlook, "It's a long way away, and there's a huge amount of work to do before then. We have to qualify, which won't be easy. But it's a dream worth chasing. To wear the Irish jersey at an Olympics... that's the ultimate goal now." With talent, time, and the powerful motivation of the five rings on her side, Amy Hunter's journey to potentially become Ireland's first cricketing Olympian is a compelling narrative to follow over the next four years.