The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a surprising U-turn and announced that both the men’s and women’s cricket teams will participate in the Asian Games 2023. Initially citing prior obligations, the BCCI had declined the invitation. However, the men’s team, consisting of a B squad, will represent India at the Asian Games while the main team focuses on the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
The cricket matches at the Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, will be played in the T20 format. This marks a notable inclusion as cricket was absent from the 2018 edition held in Jakarta.
The BCCI is expected to provide the Indian Olympic Association with the player list before the end of June. While there is uncertainty regarding the women’s squad, the men’s B squad’s participation signifies India’s return to cricket at the Asian Games after missing the 2010 and 2014 editions.
The decision by the BCCI has come under scrutiny, with Bhupender Bajwa, India’s chef de mission for the Asian Games, expressing frustration at the lack of communication and claiming that the BCCI previously cited distractions for their non-participation despite repeated contact from the organizers.
