CWG in limbo as Victoria pulls out as 2026 host over spiralling cost

Australia's Victoria state has withdrawn as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, its state chief citing the rising budget as the reason. Victoria premier Daniel Andrews said his government initially earmarked AU$2.6 billion (Rs 14,760cr) to stage the 23rd edition of the quadrennial Games in five cities, but as per the recent estimates, the cost has gone up to Au$7bn (Rs 39,360cr).