Cricket is getting ready for its eagerly anticipated return to the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028. Reports, however, point to cricket possibly being left out of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan
Even if cricket made a strong return at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, its place in the continent’s biggest multi-sport competition is now in doubt. Many people are surprised by the news, especially in light of the recent public endorsement of cricket’s participation by the Japanese organizing committee and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
According to OCA deputy director general Vinod Kumar Tiwari, the organizing committee is eager to include that sport (cricket) in the Asian Games in 2026.
Insider sources, however, indicate that despite plans to convert a baseball stadium in Nagoya for cricket matches, logistical obstacles might be too great to overcome. The possible ban might have a significant impact on cricket’s expansion into non-traditional regions.
Including cricket in the 2026 Asian Games is crucial: Alan Curr
The Asia Games are critical to the growth of cricket, according to Alan Curr, chief of operations at the Japan Cricket Association.
Getting cricket into the 2026 Asian Games and promoting the sport to the public is crucial. According to Curr, cricket is seen as a lesser sport in non-playing nations.
The Asian Cricket Council, under the direction of Jay Shah, is still holding talks with the appropriate authorities. Cricket’s successful bid to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles was made possible in large part by Shah, who has been working to take the game beyond of its traditional South Asian borders.
The Asian Games in Hangzhou last year featured participation from nine women’s teams and fifteen men’s teams, including India, who had not competed there in 2010 or 2014. India’s men’s team, which competed with a second-string squad and won two gold medals, demonstrated the depth of skill in the sport.
