Cricket’s journey in the Asian Games has been a tale of evolving enthusiasm and challenges. From intermittent appearances to its exclusion, the sport faced varying fortunes. Now, with the prospect of featuring in the 2026 Games in Japan, cricket seeks to script a new chapter in its storied history on the continental stage.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is actively pushing for the inclusion of cricket in the 2026 Asian Games to be held in Japan, with considerations to convert a baseball stadium in Nagoya for this purpose.
Cricket administrators view multi-sport events like the Asian Games as a valuable opportunity to enhance the sport’s global presence, especially as it is set to return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 after a lengthy absence of 128 years.
Although cricket faced challenges in the Hangzhou Games in China last year due to unfavorable weather, the OCA acting president, Randhir Singh, expressed the organization’s interest in having cricket as part of the 2026 Games. The previous Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang in 2018 did not feature cricket.
The primary obstacle currently faced is the lack of cricket facilities in Japan. While there is an international cricket stadium in Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo, the OCA prefers a facility closer to Nagoya, the capital of Aichi prefecture where the Games will take place. To address this, the OCA is collaborating with the Asian Cricket Council and exploring options to carry out the matches in Nagoya.
Vinod Kumar Tiwari, OCA deputy director-general, highlighted the logistical challenge, keeping in mind that the Tochigi stadium is a 3½-hour drive from Nagoya. Discussions and planning are underway, and the final decision on the sports program for the 2026 Games will be made at an OCA General Assembly in April later this year.
The Japan Cricket Association CEO, Naoki Alex Miyaji, expressed support for including cricket in the 2026 Games, emphasizing the positive impact it could have on the sport’s promotion in the country and the lasting impact it could leave.