Asian Games 2026Cricket NewsIndian Cricket NewsInternational CricketInternational MatchesT20T20 Cricket NewsT20I क्रिकेट
Cricket to Return in 2026 Asian Games in Japan After Formal Approval
The Olympic Council of Asia Signals Cricket’s Comeback at Aichi-Nagoya Games
Cricket is all set to feature at the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Although a formal confirmation is pending, officials from the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) have indicated that it’s likely to be a mere formality. The final decision will be made during this week’s meetings between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the event’s organising committee (AINAGOC).
Games Schedule and Planning Underway
The 20th Asian Games are slated to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, featuring 41 sports and accommodating over 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees. Cricket, once confirmed, will join the official roster and continue its presence in multi-sport competitions.
“The OCA Board will still need to approve it. Although we think that is just a formality. But until they do it is not 100 percent,” a JCA spokesperson told Cricbuzz.
Cricket Among Newly Approved Sports
Cricket and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) were both officially approved at the 41st AINAGOC Board of Directors Meeting held on April 28 at Nagoya City Hall. According to an OCA press release, the sport will be played in the popular T20 format, just like at the previous edition in Hangzhou, China.
The format has gained massive traction globally, particularly in Asia, and its inclusion is seen as a boost for Japan’s growing cricketing ambitions. The exact number of participating teams, however, is yet to be finalized and will be determined during the ongoing coordination meetings.
India to Defend Titles in Men’s and Women’s Cricket
India’s men’s and women’s teams, who won gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, are expected to return to defend their titles. That edition had seen 14 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams compete, and similar participation is anticipated in 2026.
For related coverage on India’s previous performance, check our Indian Cricket News.
Venue and Infrastructure: Still Under Review
The venue for cricket matches in Japan is expected to be within the Aichi prefecture. However, the exact stadium or facility is still under discussion. There is speculation about whether Japan might explore a modular stadium setup, similar to what the ICC implemented during the T20 World Cup in New York.
“The venue for cricket will be in Aichi prefecture but the exact location has not been decided,” added the JCA official.
This inclusion comes amid growing excitement about cricket’s return to the global stage, with the T20 format set to debut at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, marking the sport’s first Olympic appearance since 1900.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
The 2028 LA Olympics will mark cricket’s official Olympic comeback after over a century. This aligns with the broader strategic vision of the ICC to globalize cricket through its fastest-growing format — T20s. The rising popularity in non-traditional cricketing nations like Japan bodes well for the sport’s global future.
For more details on cricket’s return to the Olympics, visit the official Olympic website.
