Indian Cricket Board approves India's participation in Asian Games Cricket, squad announcement on July 15

After weeks of speculation, the Indian Cricket Board has finally approved the participation of Indian cricket teams in the Asian Games. Earlier the board has refused to send players to the mega event but now it looks like the decision has changed following the Apex Council meeting in Mumbai.

Advertisment

As per reports both Indian Men and Women's teams would take part in the upcoming Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Indian Women's team in the Asian Games. The squad and captains for the Men's team is yet to be announced and is difficult to predict given the number of players in contention for a spot.

"Through effective planning, communication, and coordination, the Indian Cricket Board 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," Indian Cricket Board said.

Improved bench strength to finally allow for a medal?

Advertisment

India has failed to win a single medal in Asian Games Cricket in three editions that it has been organised. The Indian Cricket Board even shocked the cricketing fraternity by declining to send a team to the 2014 Asian Games Cricket. Additionally, in 1998, the Indian team was humiliated as it failed to win even the bronze medal due to it being a second-string side.

In recent times, India's bench strength has grown significantly and is on par if not better than the likes of England and Australia. First-team outcast, Shikhar Dhawan who is slowly weeded out of the team is likely to lead India's second-string side to the Asia Games.

There have been instances when two of India's teams have been playing in different tournaments at the same time. India fielded a Shikhar Dhawan-led side against Sri Lanka recently while the first team battled it out with England in Tests. As the bench strength has improved significantly, India can choose to send multiple teams for multiple tournaments at the same time.