Cricket facilities for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 continue to raise questions, with some issues having been a cause of concern for some time. The situation could perhaps be attributed to the organisers having had to work within a limited timeframe.
“All parties are working hard to ensure the success of Cricket in the AGs. They only had 17 months to prepare and had to start from scratch as there were no cricket venues of any standard in Aichi Prefecture. Considering the limited time and resources available, Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (ANIAGOC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have worked together to ensure that the playing facilities are suitable,” said Japan Cricket Association (JCA) CEO Alex Miyaji in a statement to Cricbuzz.
“There are limits on what they can do within these tight limits, but from what I have seen, the playing surface and field will be the best seen in Cricket’s inclusion in the AGs. It will be a full size ground with turf and hybrid pitches prepared by the best curators which Sri Lanka Cricket should be credited for providing.”
Doubts have been raised over the pitch and the temporary nature of the dressing rooms. Miyaji claimed that work had been under way for more than a year to put in place the best possible arrangements. “There are both temporary and permanent facilities at the venue. The facilities on the ground are temporary, but ANIAGOC have worked very closely with the ACC for over a year now to ensure that the best facilities are provided within the limited timeline and facility restrictions.
“Despite being temporary, the facilities will provide as comfortable a space as possible for the players and officials. Please note that toilets will be available within the player area. There are also permanent facilities around the ground which will be available to the players.”
He also addressed the accommodation issue, pointing out that cricketers would be better off, with participants from several other sports having to make do with more limited facilities. “I can also assure you that the ACC have been discussing accommodation options with AINAGOC for a long time. The participating teams in Cricket are being offered hotel accommodation. Many other sports are being accommodated in much more limited facilities such as a cruise ship or container hotels. The teams are free to arrange their own accommodation if they chose to do so.”
The JCA official said his association has worked closely with local communities to popularise the game. “The JCA has mainly been focused on engaging with the local community. We have taken Cricket to many schools and shopping centres which have received great enthusiasm.
“Thanks to the full support of Nissin City, we are confident that the local community will be 100% behind the AGs.”
Miyaji is confident cricket will be one of the most popular sports during the Games which will be held from September 19 to October 3. “We have organised many international matches and tournaments in Japan. From that experience, I can tell you that we will have many concerns leading into events with the intention of making whatever improvements possible so that we deliver the best possible tournament. I am sure all parties are working with the same spirit of working together to ensure that the AGs is a great success.
“Cricket will be one of the largest sports in the AGs. It will also be the first time the top teams of Asia will be playing in Japan. We will be supporting AINAGOC and the ACC so the tournament is a success and attracts new audiences to the sport in Japan.”
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