Cricket is set for a return at the Asian Games after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Sunday included it in the sports programme for the 2022 edition in Hangzhou.
The decision was taken at the OCA’s General Assembly here. “Yes, cricket has been included in the sports programme for 2022 Hangzhou Games,” said OCA Honorary Vice-President Randhir Singh.
Cricket was dropped from the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia after featuring in 2010 and 2014, albeit without the presence of game’s powerhouse India. India opted out of the quadrennial event owing to the team’s congested scheduling.
In all probability, the T20 format will be played at the Asian Games, like it happened during the 2010 and 2014 edition in Guangzhou and Incheon, respectively. Since the mega event is still some years away, the BCCI has plenty of time to deliberate on the Indian team’s participation.
“There is a lot of time to go for 2022 Asian Games. In due time, we will discuss and decide,” said a BCCI official.