Cricket Faces Potential Exclusion from Asian Games 2026

After over a century, cricket is set to make a comeback in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, bringing excitement and anticipation. However, as the global cricketing community celebrates this milestone, there’s also growing concern over the potential exclusion of cricket from the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Cricket’s comeback at the Asian Games

Cricket’s inclusion in the 2023 Asian Games demonstrated its growing appeal across the continent. For non-cricketing nations, the event provided an introduction to a sport often overshadowed by soccer or basketball. The exposure was a crucial step in expanding the sport’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds.

India, despite sending a second-string men’s team, dominated the competition and clinched double gold medals in both men’s and women’s categories. This victory highlighted the depth of talent in Indian cricket and added weight to the argument for cricket’s inclusion in more international events.

For countries like Japan, China, and South Korea, cricket is not yet a major sport. However, its inclusion in multi-sport events like the Asian Games can help spark interest and investment. This is essential for the sport’s growth in Asia, outside of cricket-dominant nations like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Potential exclusion of cricket from the Asian Games 2026

While cricket enjoyed success at the 2023 Asian Games, its inclusion in the 2026 edition in Nagoya, Japan, is in jeopardy. Logistical challenges, such as finding suitable venues and repurposing baseball stadiums for cricket, have posed significant hurdles for the organizers.

“The organizing committee is very keen on including that (cricket) in the 2026 Asian Games,” OCA deputy director general Vinod Kumar Tiwari said.

The potential exclusion of cricket from the 2026 Asian Games could have far-reaching consequences. It would limit the sport’s exposure in key developing markets like Japan, where cricket is still in its infancy. Without the visibility provided by a multi-sport event, efforts to grow the sport in non-traditional markets may suffer setbacks.

Concerns raised by the Japan Cricket Association

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) has voiced its concerns about the potential exclusion. According to Alan Curr, head of operations at the JCA, the Asian Games are crucial for growing cricket in Japan. The opportunity to showcase the sport at home could be a turning point for its development in the country.

“It’s very important to get cricket into the 2026 Asian Games and put the game in front of people. For non-playing countries, cricket is seen as a minor sport,” Curr said.

Jay Shah, who played a pivotal role in cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, has been actively advocating for the sport’s presence in the 2026 Asian Games. He continues to engage with relevant authorities to overcome the logistical challenges and ensure cricket remains part of the multi-sport event.

---