Cricket is set for a return at the Asian Games after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sunday included it in the sports programme for the 2022 edition in Hangzhou.
The decision was taken at the OCA’s General Assembly in Bangkok.
“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 the game’s powerhouse India.
India opted out of the quadrennial event owing to the team’s packed international schedule.
The Indian Olympic Association and others countries welcomed the decision of the OCA to include cricket in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games programme.
“The IOA will request the BCCI to send a cricket team in the 2022 Asian Games. India can win in both men and women’s events and increase its medal tally,” said.IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, who attended the General Assembly in Bangkok.
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.
The decision to include cricket in the 2022 programme was on expected lines after Randhir visited Hangzhou last month to zero in on a suitable venue.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan won the men’s and women’s gold in 2014 while Bangladesh and Pakistan claimed the top honours in 2010.
Cricket has also been played once at the Commonwealth Games, in 1998, when India and Pakistan sent teams to Kuala Lumpur. However, the Shaun Pollock-led South Africa won the gold there and Australia, captained by Steve Waugh, the silver.
In the 2014 Asian Games, OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah had criticised the BCCI for not sending its teams for the second edition in a row.
In another major decision taken at the OCA General Assembly on Sunday, it was announced that Oceania countries, including Australia, will be invited to compete at the 2022 Asian Games.
It was reported that the number of Oceania athletes who will be allowed to compete in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province in China, will be decided at a later date.
Hindustan Times
BDST: 1320 HRS, MAR 4, 2019
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