New Delhi: The 2026 Commonwealth Games will kick off in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday. However, fans will note some popular sports, including cricket. Apart from cricket, hockey, badminton and wrestling are also missing from this year’s events.The number of events has been reduced from 19 at Birmingham 2022 to 10 at Glasgow. The decision also affects India’s medal hopes as many of the country’s strongest events have been cancelled.
Why cricket doesn’t belong 2026 Commonwealth Games In Glasgow?
Cricket was excluded from the Glasgow Games mainly for financial and logistical reasons.The 2026 Commonwealth Games were originally awarded to the Australian state of Victoria. However, the state government withdrew from hosting the event in 2023 due to rising costs. Glasgow was later confirmed as an alternative host city in September 2024, giving organizers limited time to prepare.To ensure the economics and sustainability of the Games, organizers reduced the number of events from 19 to 10.
Was cricket ever part of the Commonwealth Games?
Yes. Cricket made its Commonwealth Games debut at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Olympics.This competition only adopts the men’s ODI format, with a total of 16 teams participating. South Africa, led by Sean Pollock, beat Australia in the final to win the gold medal. New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka to win the bronze medal.The West Indies are represented by three different teams – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Jamaica. India also fielded two national teams, with Scotland and Northern Ireland representing the British Isles.Cricket returns after 24 years at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, this time with a Women’s T20 Championship featuring eight teams.The Australian team, captained by Meg Lanning, won the gold medal. India won the silver medal and New Zealand the bronze.
What events have been canceled from the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Nine sports in Birmingham have been dropped from the Glasgow schedule for 2022:
- cricket
- badminton
- hockey
- squash
- table tennis
- triathlon
- wrestling
- beach volleyball
- rugby sevens
The 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Winter Olympics are:
- sports
- swim
- track bike
- weightlifting
- 3×3 basketball
- lawn bowls
- Netball
- Rhythmic gymnastics
- judo
- boxing
India’s medal hopes take major blow
The decision is a major setback for India. India finished fourth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with 61 medals. Half of those medals came from sports that are no longer part of the Olympics.India won:
- Won 12 medals in wrestling competitions
- 7th place in table tennis
- Badminton 6 people
- 2 hockey
- 2 pumpkins
- Cricket 1
These six sports alone contributed 30 medals to India’s total. Shooting and archery, two other sports in which India has traditionally excelled, have been left out of the event.
