Cricket has reportedly been chosen by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. While the specific venues are yet to be confirmed, all cricket matches are expected to be held within Aichi Prefecture.
India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams are the reigning gold medalists at the Asian Games.
Cricket is set to feature for the fourth time in the Asian Games. In its previous appearances Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014 the matches were not granted international status. However, when the sport returned at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, the games were officially recognized as T20 Internationals.
A formal announcement is expected soon from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi-Nagoya Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC) during a series of meetings this week. The 20th edition of the Asian Games is scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 next year.
“The OCA Board still needs to give its approval. While we believe it’s mostly a formality, it won’t be official until it’s confirmed,” said a representative from the Japan Cricket Association (JCA).
The OCA meetings are set to run from Wednesday, April 30, to Friday, May 2, with the third OCA Coordination Committee Meeting planned for May 1 and 2.
Cricket Venue in Japan Remains Uncertain for 2026 Asian Games
A total of 41 sports, including cricket, will be featured at the 2026 Asian Games, with over 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees expected to participate.
India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams are the reigning gold medalists, having clinched the top spots at the 2022 Asian Games, held in Hangzhou, China, from September 19 to October 7, 2023.
The cricket competition at the 2026 Games will follow the same T20 format as previous editions, and discussions are still ongoing about the number of participating teams, with a final decision expected later this week. In Hangzhou, nine women’s teams and fourteen men’s teams competed.
While the inclusion of cricket in the Asian Games has excited fans, the biggest question mark for the 2026 edition remains the exact location for the cricket matches. It’s confirmed that the games will take place in Aichi Prefecture, but the specific venue is yet to be finalized.
Organizers are considering various options, including the construction of a modular stadium like the one used for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in New York. These modular venues are flexible and well-suited for regions that lack permanent cricket infrastructure.
A decision on the venue is expected in the coming weeks. Organizers are focused on selecting a site that is accessible, well-equipped, and capable of hosting high-level cricket. Given cricket’s widespread popularity in South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, there is likely to be significant regional and international interest.
This development coincides with cricket’s historic return to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. After a long absence since its last appearance in the 1900 Olympics, cricket will once again feature in the global sporting event.
The inclusion of cricket in both the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics marks a significant milestone for the sport, highlighting its growing global appeal and recognition. This return is expected to boost cricket’s profile, especially in countries with strong cricketing traditions, and bring the sport into the spotlight on an international level.