The participation of men’s and women’s cricket teams in the Hangzhou Asian Games in September-October was approved at the BCCI Apex Council meeting on Friday (July 7). The men’s event will begin on September 28 in which a second-string Indian team, consisting of new talent and some domestic players, will take part as the main team will prepare for 2023 ODI World Cup, while a strong full strength squad will participate in the women’s event, which begins on September 19. The schedule of Hangzhou Asian Games collides with the ICC Men’s 2023 ODI World Cup in India, starting on October 5 onwards. The Asian Games are to be organized from 23rd September to 8th October. 

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In the entire history of Asian Games, cricket has been played only three times and the last time it was held in Incheon in 2014. Sadly, India wasn’t one of the participants in the cricket competition at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

As per reported by PTI, BCCI, in a note said that fielding a team for the Asian Games will be a challenge considering the busy international schedule but contributing to the national cause is also important and overcoming the challenges, the Indian team will play in both the categories (Men’s and Women’s). India is a strong contender to win gold medals in both the categories.

“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 category in line with the Government of India’s directions,” the board said, as per PTI.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Set To Have IPL’s Impact Rule

BCCI also took a major decision regarding India’s domestic T20 tournament – Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The new ‘Impact Player’ rule of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be used in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, beginning October 16. As per the guidelines, both teams will be allowed to use one ‘impact player’ in every match, although it is not mandatory and can be avoided as well.