Cricket Confirmed for 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya: A Milestone for the Sport
Cricket enthusiasts, rejoice! The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially retained cricket as a marquee event for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Japan’s Aichi and Nagoya prefectures. This decision, finalized during the 41st AINAGOC Board of Directors meeting on April 28 at Nagoya City Hall, underscores the growing global appeal of cricket, particularly with its upcoming inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The announcement came amidst a flurry of preparations, as the OCA and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC) hosted two pivotal meetings in Nagoya: the 1st Technical Delegates Meeting and the 3rd OCA Coordination Committee Meeting. These gatherings, attended by over 350 participants, focused on the logistics for an event that will feature 41 sports and host approximately 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees across Asia.
Cricket will be played in the T20 format—a decision that has generated significant buzz due to its fast-paced, fan-friendly nature. The matches will be held at a yet-to-be-finalized venue in Aichi prefecture, promising thrilling encounters under the Japanese autumn sky. This marks a historic moment for the sport, as it prepares for its first Olympic appearance since 1900 in Paris, where Great Britain clinched victory over France in a rare two-day match.
Historically, South Asian teams have dominated cricket at the Asian Games. In the men’s category, Bangladesh claimed gold in 2010, followed by Sri Lanka in 2014, and India in 2022, when they fielded a powerhouse squad featuring T20 stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Afghanistan has been a consistent performer, securing silver medals in all three editions. On the women’s side, India triumphed with gold in 2022, while Pakistan clinched the top spot in both 2010 and 2014, showcasing the region’s unrivaled passion for the game.
Beyond cricket, the 2026 Asian Games will also see the debut of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with six events under the Combat Sports category, alongside disciplines like kurash and jujitsu. The Coordination Committee meeting, which commenced on May 1, included presentations from 18 AINAGOC departments covering critical areas such as sports, accommodation, transportation, and ticketing. Attendees also visited key venues like the Athletes’ Plaza at Garden Pier in Nagoya Port and the badminton stadium at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.
As preparations ramp up, the OCA and AINAGOC are leaving no stone unturned. Two sponsorship signing ceremonies were held during the meetings, and a joint press conference on Friday afternoon marked the conclusion of the Coordination Committee discussions. The evening of May 1 saw both meeting groups come together for a joint welcome reception, setting a collaborative tone for the road ahead.
With cricket’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games, the sport is poised to captivate a new audience in Japan, a nation eager to embrace its dynamic energy. As we countdown to this landmark event, one thing is certain: the clash of bat and ball in Nagoya will be a spectacle to remember, reinforcing cricket’s status as a global sporting giant.