Preparations for the cricket tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have faced persistent scrutiny, with questions lingering over the adequacy of the facilities. Organizers have been tasked with an immense challenge, as they were required to build cricket infrastructure from the ground up in Aichi Prefecture within a compressed 17-month timeframe. Japan Cricket Association (JCA) CEO Alex Miyaji acknowledged these constraints but remains optimistic about the project’s outcome.
Miyaji stated that the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (ANIAGOC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) have collaborated extensively to ensure the playing conditions are suitable. “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,” Miyaji noted. The venue will feature a full-sized ground equipped with turf and hybrid pitches, curated with support from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Addressing concerns regarding the temporary nature of dressing rooms and other amenities, Miyaji explained that the venue incorporates both permanent and temporary structures. While the ground-level facilities are temporary, he emphasized that they are designed to be as comfortable as possible for officials and players, including access to toilets within the player area and use of existing permanent facilities nearby. He stressed that ANIAGOC and the ACC have spent over a year coordinating to maximize quality despite the facility restrictions.
Accommodation arrangements have also been a focal point of the planning process. Miyaji clarified that cricket teams are being offered hotel lodging, which he described as a favorable arrangement compared to other sports participants who may be housed in container hotels or cruise ships. He noted that teams retain the autonomy to arrange their own alternative housing if they prefer.
Beyond infrastructure, the JCA has focused on community engagement to bolster the event’s profile. Efforts to promote the sport in local schools and shopping centers have been met with enthusiasm, and Miyaji credited the full support of Nissin City for ensuring strong local backing for the Games. “Thanks to the full support of Nissin City, we are confident that the local community will be 100% behind the AGs,” he added.
With the Games scheduled from September 19 to October 3, Miyaji anticipates cricket will emerge as one of the most popular sports. He emphasized that the JCA is committed to supporting the ACC and ANIAGOC to ensure the tournament’s success, noting that this will mark the first time Asia’s top teams compete in Japan. Reflecting on past international events hosted in Japan, Miyaji expressed confidence that all stakeholders are working with a shared spirit to deliver a high-quality tournament that will help attract new audiences to the sport. The report also notes that with some issues having been a cause of concern for some time, cricket facilities for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 continue to raise questions. The report also notes that they only had 17 months to prepare and had to start from scratch as there were no cricket venues of any standard in Aichi Prefecture. 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 situation could perhaps be attributed to the organisers having had to work within a limited timeframe. The report also notes that “I can also assure you that the ACC have been discussing accommodation options with AINAGOC for a long time. 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 “We have organised many international matches and tournaments in Japan.
