The Real Reason Cricket Isn't at the Commonwealth Games This Year

Cricket will not feature at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, just four years after making its long-awaited return at Birmingham 2022.

The sport is among nine disciplines dropped from this year's programme after organisers opted for a scaled-down edition of the Games following a change in host city and significant budget constraints.

Why was cricket removed from the Commonwealth Games?

The biggest reason is cost.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games were originally awarded to Victoria, Australia. However, the Victorian government withdrew as host in July 2023 after projected costs ballooned to between AUD 6 billion and AUD 7 billion (approximately USD 4-5 billion).

With the future of the Games in doubt, Glasgow stepped in as a replacement host.

Given the limited preparation time and funding, organisers introduced a leaner model using existing infrastructure and significantly reduced the number of sports.

How many sports were cut?

The programme has been reduced from 19 sports at Birmingham 2022 to just 10 in Glasgow.

Along with cricket, the following sports have been removed:

• Hockey
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Wrestling
• Rugby sevens
• Triathlon
• Squash
• Road cycling

The streamlined programme allows the Games to be staged across just four existing venues without the need for expensive new facilities.

Why was cricket considered too expensive?

Unlike many indoor sports, cricket requires specialised infrastructure.

Hosting an international cricket tournament involves:

• Preparing and maintaining turf wickets.
• Converting stadiums into cricket venues.
• Accommodating larger squads and support staff.
• Additional broadcast and operational requirements.

With Glasgow aiming to minimise venue conversion costs, cricket was one of the sports deemed too expensive to include.

When did cricket return to the Commonwealth Games?

Cricket made its Commonwealth Games return at Birmingham 2022 after a 24-year absence.

Its only previous appearance had come at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, where a men's 50-over tournament was held.

In Birmingham, the sport featured as a women's T20 competition.

How did India perform in 2022?

India's women's team enjoyed an impressive campaign, reaching the final before losing to Australia to claim the silver medal.

The tournament was widely regarded as a success and showcased the growing popularity of women's cricket on the international stage.

Will cricket return in future Commonwealth Games?

There has been no indication that cricket has been permanently removed from the Commonwealth Games.

Its inclusion in future editions is expected to depend largely on the host city's infrastructure, financial resources and sporting priorities.

With cricket set to feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the sport's growing presence at major multi-sport events could strengthen its case for a return at future Commonwealth Games.