Wed Sep 25 07:44:37 UTC 2024: ## Cricket Makes Surprise Comeback at 2025 SEA Games in Thailand

**Bangkok, Thailand** – In a surprising turn of events, cricket is set to be included in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, just a year after being excluded from the 2026 Asian Games. This decision comes as a welcome boost for the sport, particularly in Thailand, where women’s cricket has seen a remarkable rise in recent years.

The biennial multi-sport event, which began in 1959, has featured cricket only sporadically, with its last appearance in 2023 in Cambodia. While Thailand initially faced infrastructural challenges and had to withdraw from co-hosting the under-19 Women’s World Cup, the situation has improved, leading to the sport’s inclusion in the upcoming SEA Games.

The Asian Cricket Council, headed by Jay Shah, played a key role in pushing for cricket’s inclusion. While the exact formats to be played are yet to be determined, the 2023 SEA Games saw a range of formats, including T20s, 50-over cricket, T10 cricket, and 6s.

This news comes on the heels of cricket’s potential exclusion from the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where logistical challenges pose a major obstacle. While the Olympic Council of Asia and Japanese organizing committee have publicly supported cricket’s inclusion, a final decision is expected next year.

The inclusion of cricket at the 2025 SEA Games is expected to provide further impetus for the sport’s growth in Thailand. With the nation’s women’s team currently ranked 13th in the T20I rankings and holding coveted ODI status, cricket is experiencing a surge in popularity in the region.

The SEA Games offer a valuable platform for showcasing the sport and developing the talent pool, especially as the sport inches closer to its return to the Olympic stage in 2028. This inclusion serves as a positive sign for the future of cricket in Southeast Asia, where the sport continues to expand its reach and garner wider recognition.

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