Cricket to invade World Military Games?
The International Military Sports Council (CISM) is looking at the possibility of introducing cricket as part of its sophisticated World Military Games which is due to be held next in 2027 in the United States. Brigadier General Rashid Ali Dosari, CISM Vice President for Asia, noted that the organisation has procedures for introducing regionally popular sports.
“Cricket is very popular in this region, so it could be an option for the future,” he said.
The United States has been chosen to host the 2027 Summer World Military Games following the conclusion of the 80th International Military Sports Council (CISM) General Assembly and Congress in Colombo on Friday. Sri Lanka made history by becoming the first nation in the Asian region to host this gathering, welcoming nearly 300 delegates from over 80 countries for six days of meetings from May 19 to 24.
The Assembly served as CISM’s premier decision-making forum for governance, event planning, and policy development.
“This is a platform for governance—planning future events, electing leadership, and discussing policy and budget,” said Brigadier Thushara Fernando, head of the local organising committee and Director of Sports, Sri Lanka Army.
CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia described it as “the apex forum for military sport” where decisions shape the sporting calendar and long-term vision.
The formal confirmation of the United States as the 2027 host was one of the Assembly’s most significant outcomes. While dates remain to be finalised for the 2027 Games, the Assembly also unveiled the CISM sports calendar for the period of 2025-2029 and recognised a Para Athlete as the 2024 CISM Athlete of the Year.
Under CISM regulations, new sports must first be introduced via Challenge events—invitational pilot competitions hosted by member nations. While no new sports were officially approved, few new Challenge events Muaythai, Kazakh wrestling, and weightlifting were introduced. The Assembly also saw the election of new leadership. Asia secured one Vice Presidential seat and two seats on the Board of Directors.
“Generals from Saudi Arabia and Iran were elected to the board via secret ballot” member of the organising committee, Director Media and Secretary of Air Force Sports Council Eranda Geeganage told the Sunday Times. Several Sri Lankan defence officials received CISM Merit Medals for their contributions.
The closing ceremony concluded with the ceremonial handover of the CISM flag to Monaco, which will host the next General Assembly. Founded in 1948 by five European nations, CISM now includes 141 member countries. Sri Lanka joined in 1974 and currently holds the Defence Services Sports Board presidency through the Army for 2024-2025.