Cricket enthusiasts in India have reason to rejoice as reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering sending men’s and women’s cricket teams to represent the country at the much-anticipated Asian Games 2023. This development marks the return of cricket to the prestigious multi-sport event, set to take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8. While the men’s team is expected to comprise a B squad due to the simultaneous ODI World Cup, the final decision is awaited, leaving room for speculation.
Cricket’s inclusion in the Asian Games is not a novelty, as the sport featured in the 2010 and 2014 editions. However, in those instances, the BCCI did not field a team. Regrettably, cricket was excluded from the 2018 edition, but now it is making a long-awaited comeback. The decision to reintroduce cricket in the Asian Games highlights the sport’s growing popularity in the region and emphasizes its significance on an international stage.
For the Asian Games 2023, cricket will be played in the T20 format, adding an exciting twist to the competition. However, due to the concurrent ODI World Cup scheduled to be hosted by India from October 5 to November 23, the BCCI will likely field a B squad for the men. This move will allow senior players to focus on the World Cup while providing opportunities for emerging talents to showcase their skills at the Asian Games.
In previous editions of the Asian Games, the BCCI cited pre-existing schedules for not sending teams to the tournament. However, this time around, the BCCI is actively considering participation. The final decision regarding the women’s team’s inclusion in the Asian Games is yet to be confirmed. The cricketing community eagerly awaits the BCCI’s verdict, as it could mark a significant milestone in women’s cricket and provide a platform for female players to showcase their abilities on a grand stage.
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The Indian Olympic Association has proactively engaged with the BCCI to encourage their participation in the Asian Games. Bhupender Bajwa, India’s chef de mission for the Asian Games, expressed his efforts in reaching out to the cricketing body.
“We have entries in all sports except one – cricket (team) isn’t going; they said they are preoccupied. We sent them around 3-4 emails, but when we had to send entries to the organizers, they said they wouldn’t go,” Bhupender Bajwa said to the Indian Express.
Despite encountering initial reluctance, there is hope that the BCCI will respond positively, considering the immense significance of India’s representation in the tournament.
