Will cricket be a part of 2026 Asian Games?
Cricket administrators are of the opinion that multi-sport events like the Asian Games are a good opportunity to boost the game
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is keen on the inclusion of cricket at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and is considering the idea of converting a baseball stadium in Nagoya for this purpose.
Cricket administrators are of the opinion that multi-sport events like the Asian Games are a good opportunity to boost the game, which will return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 after a 128-year gap.
Cricket was part of the Hangzhou Games in China last year but wasn't included in the 2018 Games in Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia.
"We are still working on the sports programme for the 2026 Games but yes, we would want cricket to be part of it," OCA acting president Randhir Singh told Reuters.
The lack of cricket facilities in Japan, however, remains an issue.
The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) has suggested an international stadium in Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo but the OCA is keen on using a venue in or around Nagoya, the capital of Aichi prefecture where the Games will take place.
The Tochigi stadium would be a three-and-half hour drive from Nagoya, said OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Kumar Tiwari, who visited Japan last month with an OCA coordination committee to take a look at preparations.
"We are working with the Asian Cricket Council on this," Tiwari said.
The programme for the 2026 Games will be finalised at an OCA General Assembly in April.
JCA officials were not immediately available for comment.
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