Tel Aviv, July 7 -- Cricket has always thrived in places where history, empire and tradition planted its roots. England may have given the game life, but there is little doubt that India dominates its economics today. The sport will receive a new lease of life when it returns at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Its inclusion has also given Israel hope of emerging as a nation capable of competing with the big boys. The target is clear: qualify for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, and the planning has already begun.

For many sports fans, the idea of cricket in Israel sounds almost improbable. The country is known for football, basketball and a thriving sporting culture centred on Olympic disciplines. Cricket rarely enters the conversat...