Cricket is all set to make its come-back after a long 24-year gap in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Organizers of the event confirmed that the competitions scheduled to be held in Birmingham in 2022 will include a ‘Women’s Twenty20 tournament.
Eight teams will participate in the T20 series, which is in the shortest format. The addition of cricket to the Commonwealth Games will increase its medal events to 135.
Speaking about the development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said that the return of cricket to the Games was truly a historic moment for women cricket and the global cricket community.
“Cricket’s inclusion in an event with such a large global reach aligns perfectly with our plan to enable more women and girls to be inspired to get involved in cricket,” said Tom Harrison, Chief Executive, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
T20 Cricket is one of the three new additions to the upcoming edition of the Commonwealth Games. The other games are Beach Volleyball and Para Table Tennis.
Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin welcomed the new addition to the 2022 games.
“We are passionate advocates of women’s sport and para-sport so I am thrilled we are able to make this special announcement today,” Martin said.
Britain Sports Minister Nigel Adams also welcomed the new additions wholeheartedly.
“It is the first time any major multi-sport competition has more medal events for women than men and builds on the incredible growth of women’s sport,” said Adams.
“These additions are also a fantastic opportunity to increase the profile of para-sport, and to showcase the city of Birmingham to a global audience,” he added.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held between July 27-August 07, 2019 and will witness the participation of 4,500 athletes in 19 sports.
Cricket was last played in the Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur n 1998.