The BCCI on Friday allowed the Indian men’s and women’s cricket team to participate in the Asian Games 2023. This was confirmed by the BCCI after the Apex Council meeting. This year, the Asian Games will be played in China from 23 September to 8 October.
It may be noted that the Indian women’s team will start its campaign in the tournament from September 19. Whereas, the men’s B team will start the campaign on 28 September. Earlier, cricket was included in the Asian Games twice.
According to news agency ANI, the BCCI has decided to form the men’s B team due to the busy international calendar. The BCCI said that it has been decided to field the best team to win both the women’s and men’s categories.
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The BCCI said in a letter that considering the busy international calendar, it would be difficult to field a team for the Asian Games. India will be a strong contender to win gold in both the men’s and women’s events.
The board said, “Through effective planning, communication and coordination, the BCCI aims to successfully meet those challenges and contribute to the national interest by fielding a team in both men’s and women’s categories in line with the Government of India’s directives.”
Cricket was part of the tournament twice in the Asian Games, in 2010 and 2014. However, India did not send a single team on both the occasions due to other commitments. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have won one gold medal each in the men’s cricket competitions, while Pakistan have won both editions of the women’s competition.
