In a decision that’s sure to raise eyebrows across the sporting world, cricket has been dropped from the list of games finalized for the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) set to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
Only ten sports will be featured in this scaled-down edition of the event, with cricket, one of the most popular sports in the world, not making the cut.
The competition only made its return to the games in 2022 as Women’s T20I competition after debuting as a men’s 50-over event at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games. That tournament, won by Australia, was a thrilling showcase of talent, and the sport’s inclusion was seen as a step forward.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has not made a proper statement provided a specific reason for the omission, but an assumption is that there is not enough money to stage a grandiose event.
In a clear sign that finances are dictating this decision, field hockey, badminton, shooting, and wrestling have also been left out.
With fewer disciplines, host cities are expected to find it easier to manage expenses, a growing concern for the Games as the economic climate gets tougher.
The omission of cricket at the Commonwealth Games 2026 does not correlate with its popularity at the global stage. Cricket is making a return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 after a 128-year absence, with men’s and women’s T20 formats included with USA more than happy to accommodate fans and teams alike after also co-hosting the last T20 World Cup.
Athletics and para-athletics (track and field only), Swimming and para-swimming, Artistic gymnastics, Track cycling and para-track cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and para-powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and para-bowls and 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball will be the only sports on display.