The 2025 Southeast Asian Games will Feature Cricket as a Competition Sport
Following a prolonged period of anticipation, cricket has been verified to be included in the sporting schedule for the following year's Southeast Asian Games, which will be happening in Thailand.
I had previously suggested in September that cricket had been added as a last-minute inclusion for the event, which will encompass various cities in Thailand, such as Bangkok, from December 9-20, 2025.
Concerns that cricket might not make the cut had emerged due to Thailand encountering issues related to cricket infrastructure and subsequently withdrawing from co-hosting the under 19 women's World Cup, which will be completely held in Malaysia during January and February.
However, the situation has taken a turn for the better, and the Asian Cricket Council, led by influential figurehead Jay Shah, pushed for cricket's inclusion.
The Asian Cricket Council announced on Saturday that cricket would indeed be a part of the SEA Games.
As stated by Mahinda Vallipuram, chair of development for the ACC, who is also a member of the International Cricket Council board, "The incorporation of cricket in the 33rd SEA Games marks another substantial stride forward for the sport in Southeast Asia."
"The ACC, in alliance with the Cricket Association of Thailand and the SEA Games Federation, is exerting relentless efforts to uplift cricket's reputation in the area. We are elated to see cricket persist in captivating audiences, fostering blossoming talent, and promoting unity among nations through its distinctive allure."
Both men's and women's cricket will be featured in the SEA Games, with the precise formats yet to be disclosed.
The multi-sport event commenced in 1959, incorporating around a dozen nations. Cricket made its debut in 2017 in Malaysia, only to be absent from the subsequent two SEA Games in the Philippines and Vietnam. However, cricket made a reappearance last year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with eight men's and women's events encompassing four distinct formats.
T20s, which gained international recognition and ranking points, as well as 50-over cricket, were accompanied by unofficial formats such as T10 cricket and 6s - six players per side with matches completed within 45 minutes.
Men’s and women’s events were held in each format. Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand participated, while Myanmar only participated in the women’s competition.
This development brings positive news for Thailand's women's team, who are currently known to be amongst cricket's "feel good" stories and rank 13th in T20I rankings.
This announcement comes amidst cricket's potential omission from the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. As I had suggested in September, logistical hurdles appear to be challenging to overcome, despite the Olympic Council of Asia and Japanese organizing committee publicly advocating for cricket's inclusion.
The subsequent Asian Games, promising more sports and athlete quotas than the Olympics, will be held less than two years prior to the Los Angeles Games, where cricket will mark a 128-year Olympic absence.
A definitive decision is anticipated next year.
The inclusion of cricket in the Southeast Asian Games is expected to boost the sports' revenue through sponsorship deals and broadcast rights, as business opportunities arise with the global cricket community.
With cricket back in the SEA Games, the Southeast Asian business landscape also sees potential growth in the sports equipment and merchandise sector, given the increased popularity and participation in cricket events.
