BCCI Greenlights Indian Cricket Teams' Participation in 2023 Asian Games
India set to play in Asian Games [Twitter]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given a nod to the Indian cricket teams' participation in the upcoming 2023 Asian Games, set to take place in Hangzhou, China, in September and October. This decision marks a significant departure from the past, as India has never previously competed in the Asian Games cricket tournaments.
BCCI approves India's maiden participation in Asian Games
The BCCI has confirmed that India will field both men's and women's teams in the cricket competition. This alignment with the Government of India's directives reflects the board's commitment to promoting the sport beyond its traditional frontiers.
Due to the simultaneous hosting of the ICC World Cup 2023 on home soil from October 5, the Indian men's team, however, will only be able to dispatch a second-string team to Hangzhou, kicking off their campaign on September 28. In contrast, the women's team will send its full-strength squad to the competition which gets underway on September 19.
Given the tight international schedule, the BCCI acknowledged the logistical challenges ahead. Still, they expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges. This move underlines the BCCI's dedication to furthering the national cause by providing an international platform for emerging talents.
"Through effective planning, communication, and coordination, the BCCI aims to navigate those challenges successfully and contribute to the national cause by fielding a team in both men's and women's categories in line with the Government of India's directions," the board said as reported by PTI.
Shikhar Dhawan to lead India's first-ever cricket team in Asian Games
It is worth mentioning that previously, cricket was included in the Asian Games twice – in 2010 and 2014. India did not participate in these due to overseas commitments. In their absence, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka clinched the gold in the men's category, whereas Pakistan reigned supreme in the women's tournaments.
As far as the Indian team for Asian Games 2023 is concerned, Shikhar Dhawan is slated to lead the side while the coaching duties will be fulfilled by VVS Laxman. Young players such as Rinku Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Jitesh Sharma, who had a terrific IPL 2023, are also tipped to be part of the squad heading to China.
Moreover, the likes of Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, and Tilak Varma are also expected to be included. The BCCI has until July 15 to submit the final player list to the Olympic Council of Asia.
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