Image Credit: BCCI
Cricket Retained for 2026 Asian Games in Japan
Cricket has officially been retained as one of the sporting events at the 2026 Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4. The confirmation came following a board meeting of the Games’ organizing committee, marking a key decision that reaffirms cricket’s growing influence in international multi-sport events.
This will be the fourth time cricket is featured in the Asian Games, having previously appeared in 2010 (Guangzhou), 2014 (Incheon), and 2023 (Hangzhou). Matches will be played in the T20 format, aligning with the format selected for cricket’s debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
While the specific venue for the cricket competition is yet to be finalized, discussions are underway to convert a baseball stadium in Nagoya for the purpose. This comes in light of the logistical inconvenience posed by the only international cricket stadium in Tochigi Prefecture, located over three hours away from the host city.
Cricket’s inclusion is expected to attract significant attention from countries with strong cricketing traditions, particularly from South Asia. India, the reigning champion in both men’s and women’s cricket from the 2023 Games, is expected to participate with high-profile squads. The sport’s continued presence is seen as a boost to its global profile, especially in non-traditional markets like Japan.
In a notable addition to the sports lineup, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will also make its debut at the 2026 Games. The event is set to feature 41 sports and welcome around 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 participating countries.
The decision to retain cricket underscores the Olympic Council of Asia’s broader efforts to promote diversity in sport and tap into the massive fan base that cricket commands across the continent. As the countdown to the 2026 Asian Games begins, cricket’s spotlight in Japan is set to shine brighter than ever before.
