Cricket all set to make its return in the Asian Games 2022
Cricket is the most-watched sport in India. In fact, the bat-ball game has huge popularity from all across the globe. Moreover, it is ranked second behind football in terms of popularity and viewership. Notably, cricket is the only sport that is played in different formats i.e. Tests, ODIs and T20Is
Players can entertain the fans by playing in these formats. In addition, there is a T-10 format as well but is yet to capture the hearts of the viewers. Meanwhile, in the latest development, Asian Games 2022 is all set to witness the return of cricket and that too after a big gap of 8 years.
This means that cricket will be starring in the 2022 Asian Games that will be staged from September 10 to September 25, 2022, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Cricket making a comeback to Asian Games is good for the sport itself. It will be one among 40 sporting events that will be played in the Asian Games.
Cricket to make a comeback to Asian Games 2022
Meanwhile, cricketers who will be up for the Asian Games 2022 will be looking forward to making their presence count on the field. On the other hand, there are two other sports that will be making their entry for the first time. E-sports and breakdancing will be making their debuts in the Asian Games 2022 as full medal sports.
They have been given green light by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) this year. Cricket will be played at Asian Games 2022 in the form of a T20 format. It is to be noted that cricket was last played in the Asian Games 2014.
India, a prominent member of the South Asian Zone of the Olympic Council of Asia is one of the only 7 countries that have taken part in all the editions of the Asian Games. Indian athletes did the country proud by winning 139 gold, 178 silver, and 299 bronze medals at the Asian Games.
“Yes, cricket has been included in the sports programme for 2022 Hangzhou Games,” OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh was quoted as saying in The New Indian Express.
