Aspirations for Cricket Continuation in Japan Following the 2026 Asian Games
Cricket's star is shining bright in Nagoya, Japan, as plans are underway to build a permanent cricket infrastructure for the upcoming Asian Games in 2026. After a tense battle to secure a spot in the multi-sports event, cricket has made it into the roster, much to the relief of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
As previously reported, cricket faced the chop due to the difficulty of locating suitable grounds for the oval-shaped cricket field in a country infatuated with baseball. However, a new location has been discovered on the outskirts of Nagoya, about 30 minutes from the city center by transport and nestled near a train line. This vast park boasts three baseball fields, and initial discussions revolve around transforming it into a permanent cricket ground.
The Asian Cricket Council and local cricket administrators are determined to create a lasting legacy in Nagoya and beyond. To avoid repeating the past mistake of constructing a temporary stadium, as was the case for the T20 World Cup in New York that cost a hefty $30 million and was demolished immediately after the event, they aim to invest in permanent infrastructure. A decision on the final site and the exact number of teams participating in the T20 competitions will be made next month.
Cricket has graced the Asian Games before, in 2010, 2014, and 2023, with 15 men's teams and nine women's teams competing each time. Notably, powerhouse India participated in the 2023 Games, securing double gold in Hangzhou after skipping the 2010 and 2014 events.
The inclusion of cricket in the Asian Games is crucial for a sport that, according to some metrics, claims the second position in global popularity. It's also a significant step for cricket's growth in Japan, a nation known for its love of baseball, a sport that shares some similarities with cricket. "When I first came to Japan, it was apparent that there was talent here – more than I'd expected," Japan Cricket Association head of operations Alan Curr shared in 2023.
Cricket has been hesitant to participate in multi-sports events but has started to change its stance over the past 15 years. It has been confirmed that cricket will be included in the Southeast Asian Games to be held in multiple cities in Thailand, including Bangkok, from December 9-20, 2025. The T20 and T10 formats will be played in this biennial multi-sport event that started in 1959 and features around a dozen nations.
In considering permanent infrastructure for cricket in Nagoya, several options are on the table. Japan could modify existing facilities to accommodate cricket matches temporarily. Alternatively, a new site could be developed with international-standard cricket facilities, including proper pitches and facilities for players and spectators. The exact approach will depend on the decision made by the local organizing committee.
The Asian Games serve as a valuable opportunity for cricket to expand its traditional footprint beyond the British Commonwealth and find a firm foothold in Japan. As plans for permanent infrastructure take shape, the future of cricket in the country looks bright and full of promise.
- In anticipation of the Asian Games in 2026, plans are being made to repurpose a park on the outskirts of Nagoya, previously used for baseball, into a permanent cricket ground.
- The Asian Cricket Council, along with local cricket administrators, are eager to build a lasting cricket infrastructure in Nagoya and utilize the Asian Games as a means to further establish cricket in Japan.
- As the T20 and T10 formats of cricket will be included in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, in 2025, it suggests a shift in the sport's focus on expanding its presence in Asian countries outside the British Commonwealth, like Japan.
