Last Updated: July 23, 2026 10:03 AM
Cricket is not part of the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow. Several major sports have been removed from the plan completely. The number of sports has been reduced significantly from previous games. Let’s understand why cricket was excluded from the Commonwealth Games.
Cricket Exclusion and Commonwealth Games 2026 Format Changes
Cricket was excluded mainly because of the downsized Games program. The number of sports has been reduced from 19. Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 featured 19 sports in total. Glasgow 2026 will feature just 10 sports.
The reduction is primarily due to financial challenges. Logistical constraints also contributed to the sport reduction. Organizers prioritized a smaller, more manageable event. Cricket was one of several sports removed from the Games.
Hockey, badminton, and wrestling were also excluded from the program. Organizers picked a smaller and more effortless event due to conditions. Budget controls and limited trial time drove these decisions.
Victoria’s withdrawal left Glasgow organizers with minimal time available. The replacement host Glasgow had to streamline operations.
| Sports Removed from Glasgow 2026 | Sports Included in Glasgow 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cricket | Athletics |
| Badminton | Swimming |
| Hockey | Track cycling |
| Squash | Weightlifting |
| Table tennis | 3×3 basketball |
| Triathlon | Lawn bowls |
| Wrestling | Netball |
| Beach volleyball | Artistic gymnastics |
| Rugby sevens | Judo |
| — | Boxing |
Cricket’s History in Commonwealth Games Competition
Cricket first appeared at the 1998 Commonwealth Games competition. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hosted the first cricket event. The 1998 competition featured the Men’s One Day International format. 16 participating teams competed in the inaugural event there.
South Africa, captained by Shaun Pollock, won the gold medal. Australia won the silver medal in the 1998 competition. New Zealand secured the bronze medal defeating Sri Lanka. Cricket disappeared from the Commonwealth Games for 24 years.
It returned at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The 2022 edition featured the Women’s T20 format. 8 participating teams competed in the Birmingham event.
Australia, led by Meg Lanning, won the gold medal. India won the silver medal at the Birmingham Games. New Zealand claimed the bronze medal in the competition.
Impact on India’s Medal Prospects and Opportunities
The reduced sports program is a major setback for India. India finished fourth at Birmingham 2022 with many medals. Half of India’s medals came from removed sports. Wrestling accounted for 12 medals at the Birmingham Games. Table tennis contributed 7 medals to India’s tally.
Badminton contributed 6 medals during the Birmingham Games. Hockey and squash each contributed 2 medals total. Cricket contributed 1 medal to India’s total there.
These six sports accounted for 30 of India’s total medals. Shooting and archery are already absent from competition. India’s medal opportunities are significantly reduced without these sports.
