Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has warned that poor preparations could create a serious problem for players at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan after questions were raised about the quality of facilities and pitches.
Cricket will be played at Kōrogi Sports Park in Nisshin. However, the ground was earlier used for baseball and has been converted for cricket. The work was completed only in late March this year, with a hybrid pitch square prepared for the tournament. Amid this, When did Jasprit Bumrah last play Ranji Trophy? All you need to know.
Aakash Chopra feels the biggest concern is the quality of the cricket pitches. He believes that the pitches may not be ready for high-level cricket, especially if fast bowlers are involved. He has pointed out that similar concerns were seen during the 2023 Asian Games in China.
The commentator further noted that preparing an entire cricket ground is not enough. The pitch square also needs proper preparation. If the surface is not ready and a fast bowler runs in at full speed, it could become dangerous for players.
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on a YouTube channel, "There is a different uproar going on about the Asian Games. We saw it last time as well. Whether it’s in China or Japan, these countries have all kinds of top-quality infrastructure, but not for cricket. They also wake up late for cricket. By the time they wake up, they realize that making it is a very difficult job."
Chopra added, "They have tried, but we saw last time as well that if a top-flight bowler bowls fast, the pitches aren’t ready at all. They are actually dangerous to play. You feel the safety of your own players is on the line. They prepare the ground but are unable to prepare the square, and no cricket would have been played on it. You shouldn’t be surprised at all if it becomes dangerous."
Aakash Chopra warns Asian Games organisers over player accommodation
Chopra also explained that the game of cricket is different from many other sports and requires proper pitches, training facilities, accommodation, and other arrangements. He raised concerns about accommodation standards as well. Amid this, BCCI forces KL Rahul to play Duleep Trophy final.
Organizers have reportedly discussed options such as putting two people in one room, using cruise ships, or even converting containers into hotels. He further explained, "The second problem is that there probably isn’t enough realization that cricket is a different kind of sport. This is not how cricket actually happens."
"You can call it slightly elitist or classist, as to why it is not right for them when it is right for everyone else. You may have a point, but the truth is that cricket is not played like that. When you go to play cricket around the world, you get a single room to stay. You get your privacy, and you are used to that."
Cricket has featured only three times
Cricket has not been a regular part of the Asian Games. The sport has featured only in the 2010, 2014, and 2023 editions before the upcoming 2026 Games.
The 2026 Asian Games will feature 12 nations across the men’s and women’s events. The tournament will be held from September 17 to October 3.
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