Cricket

The 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow will not feature cricket, marking its absence from the quadrennial event. This decision has raised questions about the future of cricket in multi-sport competitions.The CWG Federation has cited budgetary constraints as the primary reason for the exclusion of cricket and other sports like field hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling. CEO Katie Sadleir emphasized the need to "reset and redefine the Games" to reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance social impact.Cricket's return to the CWG in 2022 after a 24-year hiatus was met with enthusiasm. Australia emerged victorious in the women's T20 competition, while South Africa had won the men's 50-over gold in 1998. However, its absence in 2026 has cast doubt on its long-term presence in the Games.Despite its exclusion from the CWG, cricket is set to make a grand return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. The International Olympic Committee's decision to include men's and women's T20s as new disciplines reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the United States.The Asian Games has also reinstated cricket, with India dominating the T20 events in the 2022 edition. This suggests that cricket remains a popular sport in Asia and could potentially be included in future multi-sport competitions in the region.The absence of cricket from the 2026 CWG is a setback for the sport's inclusion in major international events. However, its inclusion in the Olympics and the Asian Games provides hope for its future in multi-sport competitions. The decision to exclude cricket from the CWG highlights the challenges faced by organizers in balancing budgetary constraints with the desire to include popular sports.

Cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has been hailed as a significant step for the sport, which has long been confined to the Commonwealth nations. Andy Anson, chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and president of the Lancashire Cricket Club, believes it was the right decision.Anson, speaking at a panel discussion in Bengaluru, India, emphasized the global reach of cricket and its commercial appeal. He noted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized the sport's potential to attract a large audience and generate revenue.For cricket, joining the Olympic movement is seen as a major boost. India, a cricket powerhouse, has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, which could further elevate the sport's status. Anson believes India would be an ideal host, given its diverse population and untapped market.However, hosting the Olympics requires significant planning and investment. Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, stressed the need for long-term development of talent and infrastructure. She emphasized the importance of investing in youth programs and creating pathways for success.Anson pointed to the success of the British Olympic team, which won more medals across more sports than any other country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He attributed this to the funding provided by the National Lottery, which was established in 1994.The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is expected to have a positive impact on the sport's development worldwide. It will provide a global platform for cricketers to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.