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Sports
IOA Rejects BCCI’s Request for Cricket at Asian Games
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 05 Sep 2026, 11:19 AM
👁 47
The Indian Olympic Association has ruled out cricket for the Asian Games, stating that the sport has no special place in the event and limiting the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s involvement.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially declined the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) proposal to include cricket in the Asian Games schedule. In a statement released on Tuesday, the IOA clarified that cricket does not have a designated slot in the Games’ programme and that the BCCI’s request would not be accommodated.
The decision follows the BCCI’s earlier appeal to the IOA, seeking permission to field a team in the upcoming Asian Games. The IOA’s stance reflects its commitment to maintaining the Games’ established sports roster and ensuring that all participating sports meet the event’s criteria.
While the BCCI has expressed disappointment, it has not yet announced any alternative plans. The IOA’s ruling is expected to influence the final list of sports for the Games, which will be held in the host country next year.
The move underscores the ongoing negotiations between national sports bodies and the IOA regarding event participation and scheduling. The Asian Games organisers will now finalize the sports lineup without cricket, as per the IOA’s directive.
The decision follows the BCCI’s earlier appeal to the IOA, seeking permission to field a team in the upcoming Asian Games. The IOA’s stance reflects its commitment to maintaining the Games’ established sports roster and ensuring that all participating sports meet the event’s criteria.
While the BCCI has expressed disappointment, it has not yet announced any alternative plans. The IOA’s ruling is expected to influence the final list of sports for the Games, which will be held in the host country next year.
The move underscores the ongoing negotiations between national sports bodies and the IOA regarding event participation and scheduling. The Asian Games organisers will now finalize the sports lineup without cricket, as per the IOA’s directive.