Concerns Over Asian Games Cricket Arrangements

The 2026 Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, with cricket matches scheduled at the Nisshin Cricket Ground at Korogi Sports Park in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The venue was converted from a baseball ground and was completed only in March. Its relatively new pitches, temporary player facilities and accommodation arrangements have prompted discussions among India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan cricket boards.

Cricket Venue Developed in Just 17 Months

Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji said organisers had only 17 months to develop the cricket venue.

Since Aichi Prefecture did not have a cricket facility of suitable standard, the organisers had to build the venue from scratch. Miyaji said the organisers worked with the Asian Cricket Council within tight time and resource constraints to ensure that the playing facilities were suitable.

Japan Defends Playing Surface

Miyaji also defended the quality of the playing surface at Nisshin Cricket Ground.

The venue will have a full-size field with turf and hybrid pitches, while experienced curators have been involved in preparing the surface. Sri Lanka Cricket has also assisted with the pitch preparation. The ground has already hosted matches during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.

Japan Rejects Claims Over Toilet Access

The Japan Cricket Association has rejected reports suggesting that players would have to walk hundreds of metres to access toilets.

Miyaji said toilets would be available within the player area, while temporary and permanent facilities would also be provided around the venue. He acknowledged that some temporary infrastructure would be part of the arrangements but insisted that basic facilities would remain accessible to players.

Teams Free to Arrange Their Own Accommodation

Accommodation has emerged as another major concern for cricket teams.

The teams are expected to stay at hotels in Nagoya, around 20 kilometres from the cricket ground. Questions have been raised over whether some rooms would be spacious enough for two international cricketers along with their luggage and cricket kit.

Miyaji said cricket teams were not being treated differently from athletes in other sports. He added that teams could make their own accommodation arrangements if they were not satisfied with the official options.

ACC Inspection to Provide Final Clarity

The Asian Cricket Council is expected to send representatives to Japan to inspect the cricket venue, accommodation and other logistical arrangements.

Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Prakash Schaffter had earlier said the cricket ground appeared suitable for matches, although accommodation concerns remained. The issue is therefore unlikely to be completely settled until the ACC completes its inspection.

Conclusion

Japan has responded to concerns raised by India, Pakistan and other Asian cricket boards over the arrangements for cricket at the 2026 Asian Games.

The Japan Cricket Association has defended the Nisshin Cricket Ground, saying the playing surface and basic facilities will be suitable. It has also clarified that toilets will be available within the player area and that teams are free to arrange their own accommodation if required.

However, the final picture is expected to become clearer after the Asian Cricket Council completes its inspection of the venue and accommodation arrangements.