BCCI to Decide on India’s Participation in Asian Games 2023
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is set to decide on India’s participation in the Asian Games 2023 at their Apex Council Meeting on July 7. Although the organization has agreed to send both men’s and women’s teams to Hangzhou, China, for the quadrennial event, it clashes with both the Asia Cup 2023 and the World Cup 2023, both of which are hosted by India. It is unlikely that any of the top WC stars will be able to travel for the tournament.
Asian Games vs. World Cup and Asia Cup 2023
The ICC World Cup will take place from October 5 to November 23, while the Asian Games will be hosted in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8. When cricket was played at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014, India did not enter a team. The BCCI is also lobbying for cricket to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which could be a factor in their decision this time around. In 2022, the Indian women’s squad competed in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Second String Side Possible
Should India choose to participate, BCCI will likely send a second string side featuring World Cup rejects. This would be a great opportunity for players who didn’t make the World Cup team to gain international experience and prove their worth.
Conclusion
The BCCI Apex Council Meeting on July 7 will be pivotal in deciding India’s participation in the Asian Games 2023. With the World Cup and Asia Cup 2023 already slated to take place in India around the same time, it is unlikely that any of the top stars will be able to attend. If India does choose to compete, a second string side featuring World Cup rejects is likely to be sent. This would be a great opportunity for these players to gain international experience and prove their worth.