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Aakash Chopra Questions Cricket’s Safety and Place at Asian Games
Aakash Chopra says cricket may be difficult to organize safely at the Asian Games.
He is worried that the pitches may not be ready for fast bowlers.
The cricket venue in Japan was changed from a baseball field.
Its special cricket pitch was completed only in late March.
Chopra also says cricket players need facilities different from those used for some other sports.
He specifically mentioned private hotel rooms and suitable accommodation.
Cricket has appeared at only three earlier Asian Games.
Twelve countries are expected to play in the men’s and women’s competitions in 2026.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra questioned whether cricket belongs in the Asian Games.
He warned that under-prepared pitches could endanger players, especially against fast bowling.
The 2026 cricket competition will be held at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
The venue was remodeled from a baseball facility, with a hybrid pitch square completed in late March.
Twelve nations will compete in men’s and women’s cricket from September 17 to October 3, with India entering the quarter-finals directly.
- Who
- Former India batter Aakash Chopra raised concerns about cricket at the Asian Games; twelve nations are scheduled to compete.
- What
- Chopra questioned cricket’s relevance to the Asian Games and warned that unsuitable pitches could be dangerous.
- Where
- Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
- When
- The 2026 Asian Games cricket competitions are scheduled for September 17 to October 3; the venue’s works were completed in late March.
- Why
- Chopra said Japan has limited cricket infrastructure and may not be able to prepare pitches and accommodation to the standards cricket requires.
Key facts
- Venue
- Kōrogi Sports Park, Nisshin, Japan
- Venue background
- The facility was remodeled from a baseball venue.
- Pitch
- The ground has a hybrid pitch square, with works completed in late March.
- Participants
- Twelve nations will compete in the men’s and women’s formats.
- Competition dates
- September 17 to October 3, 2026.
- India’s position
- India’s men’s and women’s teams will begin their gold-medal defenses in the quarter-finals.
- Previous appearances
- Cricket has been played at the Asian Games in 2010, 2014 and 2023.
Quotes
Aakash Chopra
Former India batter and cricket commentator
“They have tried, but we saw last time as well that if a top-flight bowler bowls fast, the pitches aren’t ready at all. They are actually dangerous to play. You feel the safety of your own players is on the line. They prepare the ground but are unable to prepare the square, and no cricket would have been played on it. You shouldn’t be surprised at all if it becomes dangerous.”
indianexpress.com
“There is a different uproar going on about the Asian Games. We saw it last time as well. Whether it’s in China or Japan, these countries have all kinds of top-quality infrastructure, but not for cricket. They also wake up late for cricket. By the time they wake up, they realize that making it is a very difficult job.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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