Why is cricket not part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games? EXPLAINED
Indian women’s cricket team poses with silver medals at Commonwealth Games 2022. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: The 2026 Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday in Glasgow, Scotland. However, fans will notice that several popular sports, including cricket. Apart from cricket, this year’s program also lacks hockey, badminton and wrestling.The number of sports has been reduced from 19 at the Birmingham 2022 Games to just 10 in Glasgow. The decision also affected India’s medal hopes as many of the country’s strongest events were dropped.
Why is cricket not part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow?
Cricket was dropped from the Glasgow Games mainly for financial and logistical reasons.The 2026 Commonwealth Games were originally awarded to Victoria, Australia. However, the state government withdrew as host in 2023 due to rising costs. Glasgow was later confirmed as a replacement host in September 2024, leaving organizers with limited time to prepare.To make the games accessible and sustainable, the organizers reduced the number of sports from 19 to 10.
Was cricket ever part of the Commonwealth Games?
Yes. Cricket made its Commonwealth Games debut in 1998 at the Kuala Lumpur Games.The competition featured only the men’s ODI format, with 16 teams participating. Shaun Pollock-led South Africa won the gold medal after defeating Australia in the final. New Zealand won the bronze medal by defeating Sri Lanka.The West Indies were represented by three separate teams — Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Jamaica. India also sent a split national team, while Scotland and Northern Ireland represented the British Isles.Cricket returned after 24 years at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, this time as an eight-team women’s T20 tournament.Australia, captained by Meg Lanning, won the gold medal. India finished with silver, while New Zealand secured bronze.
Which sports have been dropped from the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Nine Birmingham 2022 sports have been removed from the Glasgow programme:
- Cricket
- Badminton
- Hockey
- Squash
- Table tennis
- Triathlon
- Wrestle
- Beach volleyball
- Rugby sevens
10 sports at Glasgow 2026:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Track cycling
- Weight-lifting
- 3×3 basketball
- Lawn bowls
- Netball
- Artistic gymnastics
- Judo
- Box
A big blow to India’s medal hopes
This decision is a big setback for India. India finished fourth at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with 61 medals. Half of those medals came in sports that are no longer part of the Games.India won:
- 12 medals in a match
- 7 in table tennis
- 6 in badminton
- 2 in hockey
- 2 in squash
- 1 in cricket
These six sports alone contributed 30 medals to India’s total. Shooting and archery, two other events where India has traditionally done well, were already missing from the programme.