Preparations for the cricket tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have faced ongoing scrutiny, with questions regarding the quality of facilities and the tight development timeline. Organizers were forced to build from scratch in Aichi Prefecture, where no standard cricket venues previously existed, leaving them with only 17 months to complete the necessary infrastructure.
Japan Cricket Association (JCA) CEO Alex Miyaji defended the progress, noting that the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (ANIAGOC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have collaborated closely to ensure the venues are suitable. While acknowledging the limitations of the project, Miyaji stated, “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.” The grounds will feature full-size fields with turf and hybrid pitches, curated with support from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Addressing concerns about the temporary nature of the dressing rooms and other facilities, Miyaji emphasized that planning has been underway for over a year. He explained that while the ground-level facilities are temporary, they are designed to provide a comfortable environment for players and officials, including access to toilets and nearby permanent facilities. He stressed that the organizers have prioritized quality despite the restricted timeline and facility constraints.
Regarding player housing, Miyaji clarified that cricketers will be provided with hotel accommodations, distinguishing their situation from participants in other sports who may be housed in more limited settings, such as container hotels or cruise ships. He noted that teams retain the freedom to arrange their own lodging if they prefer. The JCA has also focused on community outreach, taking the sport to local schools and shopping centers to build interest, with strong support from Nissin City.
The tournament is scheduled to run from September 19 to October 3, and Miyaji remains optimistic that cricket will emerge as one of the most popular sports at the Games. This event marks the first time top Asian teams will compete in Japan. Miyaji expressed confidence that all stakeholders are working with a shared spirit to ensure the tournament’s success, noting that the JCA will continue to support the ACC and ANIAGOC to deliver a high-quality event that attracts new audiences to the sport in Japan. The report also notes that miyaji claimed that work had been under way for more than a year to put in place the best possible arrangements. The report also notes that the JCA official said his association has worked closely with local communities to popularise the game. The report also notes that the situation could perhaps be attributed to the organisers having had to work within a limited timeframe. The report also notes that please note that toilets will be available within the player area. The report also notes that “I can also assure you that the ACC have been discussing accommodation options with AINAGOC for a long time.
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