As the countdown to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 intensifies, controversy is mounting around the designated cricket venue, Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin City, raising alarm bells among participating nations.
With the cricket tournaments scheduled to commence on September 17, major cricketing powerhouses, including defending champions India and Pakistan, have voiced serious reservations over the readiness and quality of the facilities.
The Asian Games are officially set to run from September 19 to October 4, 2026, across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. Cricket, making its fourth appearance at the Games, will feature both men’s and women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) tournaments. The women’s competition is slated for September 17 to 22, followed by the men’s event from September 24 to October 3.
Venue Readiness Under Fire
Korogi Sports Park, a facility initially developed as a baseball ground, has been converted for cricket for the Asian Games. However, reports emerging from recent Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meetings paint a concerning picture. Reports indicate the venue is a “very rudimentary ground” with a recently laid pitch that has not been sufficiently tested. Compounding the issues are the reported lack of proper dressing rooms and washrooms located approximately 500 meters away from the playing area, with some reports claiming dressing rooms are makeshift tents. Japan Cricket Association’s CEO, Naoki Alex Miyaji, had previously commented positively on the venue after it hosted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in May 2026, expressing excitement for the upcoming Asian Games events. Despite this, the pitch reportedly still features a pitcher’s mound, a relic from its baseball origins, which has further fueled concerns about the playing surface.
Accommodation Woes for Athletes
Beyond the playing field, the accommodation arrangements have also drawn sharp criticism. Cricketers are expected to be housed in hotels in Nagoya, roughly 20 kilometers from Korogi Sports Park. Nations like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have raised flags over the proposed room sizes, which are deemed too small for two players, especially considering their cricket kits and luggage.
Unconventional accommodation options, including staying on a cruise ship or in temporary marquee-style tents, have also been floated, which have reportedly not convinced the leading teams.
Key Concerns Raised by Participating Nations
| Concern Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing Surface | Recently laid pitch at Korogi Sports Park (converted baseball facility) with limited testing; concerns over quality and presence of pitcher’s mound. |
| Dressing Rooms | Lack of proper dressing rooms; reports of makeshift tents and washrooms located 500m away. |
| Accommodation | Small room sizes for shared occupancy in hotels 20km from the venue; unconventional options like cruise ships or tents proposed. |
ACC and BCCI Respond
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has acknowledged the issues and decided to dispatch a delegation to inspect the Korogi Sports Park facilities ahead of the competition. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly expressed its dissatisfaction, with some reports suggesting they might consider sending a second-string side if improvements are not made. The BCCI is also expected to send an observer to assess the situation directly.
In response to the mounting criticism, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have stated that accommodation has been secured for all over 17,000 registered athletes and officials who completed their registrations before the July deadline. .
Cricket Schedule Highlights
India, as defending champions, will enter both tournaments at the quarter-final stage. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led women’s team is scheduled to kick off its campaign on September 18, facing hosts Japan, at 2:00 PM JST. The Shreyas Iyer-led men’s team will begin its title defense on September 28 in their quarter-final match.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes will be on the Asian Games organizers and the outcomes of the impending inspections. The hope remains that the facilities will be brought up to international standards to ensure a fair and successful cricket tournament for all participating nations.