Can India host 2026 Commonwealth Games? Here's what we know as Victoria backs out over A$7 billion cost

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The Australian state of Victoria backed out of hosting the Commonwealth Games over a projected budget blowout. Officials said that hosting the 2026 edition of the sporting event could cost up to A$7 billion ($4.77 billion) - a far cry from the region's budgeted A$2.6 billion ($1.77 billion).

With the future of the quadrennial multi-sport event now on shaky grounds there is a possibility that the Commonwealth Games may be cancelled for the first time since the Second World War. “I will not take money out of hospitals and schools in order to fund an event that is three times the cost [which] was estimated and budgeted for last year.

In terms of where we go from here, the Games will not proceed in Victoria in 2026," Victoria's premier Dan Andrews said on Monday. A statement from the Commonwealth Sports Movement said the decision was “hugely disappointing" for both athletes and authorities, noting that the current estimate of around $6 billion was 50% higher than estimates given my the Victorian government only last month.

"These figures are attributed to price escalation primarily due to the unique regional delivery model that Victoria chose for these Games, and in particular relate to village and venue builds and transport infrastructure," the statement added. Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has reportedly made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues.

All of these have added considerable expense - often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia. But with neighbouring New South Wales as well as South Australia and Western Australia ruling themselves out as hosts, the authorities have been left scrambling