Cricket’s 2026 Asian Games fate sealed

In what is the latest development, as per the reports, it is learned that Cricket was unlikely to feature in the Asian Games in 2026. The reports claimed that there was little suspense over this as the sport did not feature in the initial list announced by the host nation.

Asian Games 2026 is all set to take place in the Japanese regions of Aichi and Nagoya. However, the latest announcement has confirmed that Cricket will be played in the tournament. It will be a massive boost for the sport, which is all set to make a return to the Olympics in 2028, which will be played in Los Angeles.

Cricket will be played for the fourth time in the Asian Games after being played in 2010, 2014, and 2023

Cricket will be played for the second time in the Olympic Games programme. The sport will be played after a gap of 128 years since the 1900 Paris Games. This means India's hunt for gold medals in the Asian Games and the Olympic Games will be on.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Coming to the 2026 Asian event, cricket will be played for the fourth time in the Asian Games after being played in 2010, 2014, and 2023. In the first two editions, India didn't play, but then finally decided to send their team for the 2023 edition of the event.

Both the Indian men's as well as women's teams bagged gold medals during the 2023 edition

For the women's game, India sent a full-strength team, which was captained by Harmanpreet Kaur. And for the Men's game, a second-string Indian team was sent. All the performers of the IPL were given opportunities, with Ruturaj Gaikwad given the leadership.

It was a historic moment for Indian sports as both men's as well as women's teams bagged gold medals. This also marked the first instance of the Indian cricket team standing on top of the podium in a multi-sport event.

Temporary venue could be built for cricket during the Asian Games 2026

The reports also claimed that there aren't any specified venues for cricket in the event in 2026. However, it is learned that a temporary venue could be built as was done in New York for the T20 World Cup 2024, where India played their league Games.

Cricket in the tournament will be played in T20 format. It is expected that the young Indian team will be sent to the tournament as the BCCI has moved on from the senior stars in the format and has been providing opportunities to the young players.

The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, and 15000 athletes are estimated to participate. Also, the T20 World Cup 2026 will be played ahead of that, and it will serve as huge preparation for the same, as the India National Cricket Team will be eyeing another gold.