Commonwealth Games 2026: It was in Birmingham, 2022 that cricket made an appearance at the Commonwealth Games after 24 years. While only the women’s competition took place in 2022, it was a major step for the sport and it was hoped the inclusion would continue for years. With Glasgow set to host the Commonwealth Games this year, set to begin on July 23, cricket is among the many sports not part of the event. What is the reason behind the omission?
Commonwealth Games 2026: Why is cricket not part of the event after its debut in Birmingham four years ago?
Other than cricket, the likes of field hockey, badminton, squash, and wrestling have also been omitted from Commonwealth Games 2026. The reasons behind their omissions have been drastic budget cuts, scheduling conflicts, and its status as an optional sport. It’s also worth noting that the Commonwealth Games doesn’t have a list of core sports, unlike the Olympics. As a result, the organisers or stakeholders have cut it down to only 10 sports, thereby minimizing the costs and mitigate the environmental footprint.
Notably, cricket is indeed an optional sport in the Commonwealth Games, given the International Cricket Council (ICC) are tasked with the responsibility of managing a very packed calendar. Hence, international cricket boards may not be willing to release their first-choice players for the multi-sport events that might clash with the bilateral series.
Commonwealth Games 2026: Who clinched the gold medal in the 2022 edition?
Eight teams had been included in the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games, with India, Australia, Barbados, England, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa participating in the event. Australia and India progressed from Group A, while England and New Zealand advanced from Group B. As for the semi-finals, India overcame England, while Australia defeated their Trans-Tasman rivals to seal a spot in the final.
Australia, captained by the legendary Meg Lanning, claimed a thrilling nine-run win over India in the final to clinch the gold medal, with the latter taking silver. A bronze medal match took place between New Zealand and England, with the White Ferns emerging victorious.
