Archive · 4 Sep 2026
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.
- When
- The 2026 Asian Games cricket competitions are scheduled for September 17 to October 3; the venue’s works were completed in late March.
- Where
- Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
- Why
- Chopra said Japan has limited cricket infrastructure and may not be able to prepare pitches and accommodation to the standards cricket requires.
- 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.