Why is cricket out of Commonwealth Games 2026, when was it included for the first time and who won the gold? Know complete details

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 24, 2026

Commonwealth Games 2026: 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (Scotland) has started, but this time the event is not like before. Many of the games that made these games exciting over the years are out of the program this time. The biggest shock is the exit from cricket. Along with this, sports like wrestling, badminton, hockey, table tennis and squash will also not be played this time.

For India, this is not only a change in the list of sports, but also has a big impact on the expectations of medals… because in the last Commonwealth Games, almost half of India’s total medals came from these sports.

Why did the number of games decrease this time?

Actually, the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games was earlier given to the city of Victoria in Australia… but due to increasing expenses, the Government of Victoria withdrew from the event in 2023. After this, hosting was handed over to Glasgow, Scotland in September 2024. The organizers had less time for preparation and the budget was also limited. In such a situation, it was decided that the number of games should be reduced from 19 to only 10, so that the event could be economically feasible.

As the Commonwealth #Glasgow2026 Games begin, my best wishes to the Indian contingent.I am confident that our athletes will participate in the Games with passion, determination and a spirit of excellence. The skills and dedication of our athletes always inspire countless… pic.twitter.com/caenX35LdG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2026

Why was cricket out?

Cricket’s exclusion is entirely due to financial and logistical reasons. It was not possible for the organizers to organize a cricket competition on a large scale with limited resources and in a short time. For this reason cricket had to be removed from the programme.

History of cricket in the Commonwealth Games

Cricket was first played in the Commonwealth Games in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Then there was a men’s ODI tournament, in which South Africa defeated Australia and won the gold medal. After this, cricket remained out of the Commonwealth Games for 24 years. It returned in Birmingham in 2022, but this time in the form of a women’s T20 tournament… Australia won the gold medal, while India had to be content with the silver medal after losing in the final.

How much will India lose in Commonwealth Games 2026?

In Birmingham 2022, India won a total of 61 medals and stood fourth. Of these, 30 medals came only from those sports, which have been removed from the program this time. India had won 12 medals in wrestling, 7 medals in table tennis, 6 medals in badminton, 2 medals in hockey, 2 medals in squash and 1 medal in cricket… that means a total of 30 medals will no longer be at stake.

Not only this, sports like shooting and archery are already not included in the program of the Commonwealth Games. Both of these are sports in which India is traditionally counted among the strongest countries. In such a situation, this time it will be more challenging than ever for India to maintain its place among the top countries in the medal table.

Which sports will take place in Glasgow 2026?

athletics
swimming
track cycling
weightlifting
3×3 basketball
balls
netball
artistic gymnastics
judo
boxing

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games will be a much smaller and limited edition than before. India may have to be satisfied with less medals than last time.