Cricket has made a grand entry in the 2026 Asian Games. 10 men’s and 8 women’s teams will participate in this mega event to be held in Japan.
This news has come from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka, where the new president Mohsin Naqvi announced this big decision.
BCB hosted the ACC meeting
The Bangladesh Cricket Board hosted the ACC meeting brilliantly, which Naqvi praised openly.
He said, “I acknowledge the prestigious moment of hosting the ACC’s Annual General Meeting for the first time and thank BCB for creating an atmosphere of professionalism, collaboration, and splendid hospitality.”
No concrete decision was taken on the Asia Cup in this meeting, but the announcement of cricket’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games became big news for everyone.
10 men’s and 8 women’s teams will participate in this event to be held in Japan, which will be selected on the basis of ranking.
Also, the ACC has planned to promote cricket further by adding Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Philippines to its family.
Cricket Review in Asian Games
This will be the fourth time cricket will be participating in the Asian Games. Earlier, cricket was a part of this event in 2010, 2014 and 2022. In 2022, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams won the gold medal.
Pakistan’s women’s team has been the champion twice, while in the men’s category, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India have won once each.
Global flight of cricket
Cricket is no longer limited to just a few countries. This game is now spreading all over the world.
Cricket is also making a comeback in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, that too after 128 years, 6 men’s and 6 women’s teams will participate there.
What will be special in Japan?
The Asian Games to be held in Japan in 2026 will be a new platform for cricket. 10 men’s and 8 women’s teams will take the field, and fans will get to see high-voltage matches.
The decision to select teams on the basis of ranking will make the game more exciting.
