Kolkata : Cricket along with other Sports like Field Hockey, Shooting, Wrestling, Badminton, Table Tennis, Diving, Rugby Sevens, Beach Volleyball, Mountain Biking, Squash and Rhythmic Gymnastics have been excluded from Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games organizers wanted to create a more budget friendly program, trimming number of Sports including many notable ones from 19 in 2022 Brisbane Commonwealth Games to 10 for 2026 Commonwealth Games. This decision came after Scotland became hosts after Australia withdrew due to rise in costs.
With Cricket being a costly Sports, and requires large-scale infrastructure, it is curtailed. Main aim of the organizers is to balance multi sport feel of the event with financial and operational considerations.
The reduction in number of Sports to 10 is a shift back to the traditional format pre 1998 , where 10 Sports were featured throughout. After 1998 the Sports ranged from 15-20.
Additionally, only 4 venues are selected for the Commonwealth Games 2026 – Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Commonwealth Arena and Scottish Events Campus.
The selection of these venue was made with the purpose of hosting mandatory Sports as decided by organization – Athletics, Swimming.
By reducing the venues, the games will achieve significant budget reduction in terms of travelling costs, branding, security, and so on.
India especially have received a medal set back with the decision to curtail the Sports especially Cricket , Hockey, Shooting, Wrestling and Badminton where , these Sports bring most number of medals for them in their tally.
However, this doesn’t mean that future Commonwealth Games post 2026 will have same amount of reduced Sports, it will depend on the host and economy.
