From hockey to diving, these are the sports being cut from the Commonwealth Games

Hockey, rugby sevens and cricket are among the big-name Commonwealth Games casualties, axed from the pared-back Glasgow program in 2026.

Next year's Games, relocated to Scotland after Victoria's withdrawal as host, will feature just 10 events, which is nine less than the previous edition held in 2022 in Birmingham.

Other sports left out include diving, badminton, beach volleyball, mountain biking, rhythmic gymnastics, squash and table tennis.

Athletics and swimming were the only sports guaranteed a spot on the program, which also includes track cycling, weightlifting, 3x3 basketball and lawn bowls — all of which include a para equivalent.

Squash Australia boss Robert Donaghue said the news was heartbreaking to the country's top players, who were set to use the Games to prepare for the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

"Today's announcement is a blow to the players who have had their dream of competing in the Commonwealth Games taken away from them," he said.

Hockey Australia was similarly disappointed to be axed given the strength of Commonwealth nations in the sport and the existence of the 2014 venue.

National hockey bodies in countries such as England, India, New Zealand and even Scotland had jointly lobbied for inclusion.

"I know I join all our Commonwealth compatriots in saying we hope this is a temporary adjustment to the Games schedule," Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles said.

Scotstoun Stadium, which will host the athletics, is also the home of the Glasgow Warriors rugby union side, meaning there's an existing field for sevens rugby.

The Glasgow 26 organising committee cited "operational challenges" for not hosting any sports other than track and field at the complex.

"Since it was incorporated into the Commonwealth Games, rugby sevens has been one of the event's most popular and engaging formats," Rugby Australia said in a statement.

As a cost-saving measure, the 10 sports will be spread across just four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena (including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome) and the Scottish Event Campus.

That dictated which sports were included, although sevens could be considered unlucky given Scotstoun Stadium, which will host the athletics, is also home of the Glasgow Warriors rugby union side.

Athletes and support staff will stay in hotel accommodations rather than an athletes' village, while the event will have low-cost opening and closing ceremonies.

According to the Glasgow 2026 organising committee, the Games "is about delivering a lighter and leaner programme of sports to ensure that we strike a balance between ensuring the event has a high-quality multi-sport feel but that can be delivered to the highest level in a short time-frame on a budget which does not rely on public funds to deliver the Games".

Australia's chef de mission Petria Thomas said the experience would still be memorable for the Australian team, who topped the medal count in Birmingham with 180, including 67 gold.

"We knew the Games were headed to Glasgow, and we now know when they'll be and the sports that will take part — it's an exciting milestone in our preparations," Thomas said in a statement.

"We are committed to an experience for Australia's team that exceeds Birmingham, with no stone to be left unturned as we target both performance and memories that last a lifetime."