Basketball will be played at the Commonwealth Games for the first time in Melbourne in 2006, say state officials.

It will replace cricket from the last Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1998.

Basketball, field hockey, netball and rugby union sevens - the latter three were played in 1998 - beat bids from handball, softball, touch football and water polo to be the four teams nominated, said Melbourne Games officials.

Cricket was dropped because it could not make a commitment that the best teams would be available because of a congested international calendar.

The Commonwealth Games Federation is expected to confirm the decision at its general assembly in Manchester, England in July.

"We can look forward to fierce competition at the Games as traditional basketball powers, such as Canada and Australia, attempt to overcome the emerging basketball powers, especially from Africa," said Victoria state Sports Minister Justin Madden.

Australian rowing officials said their sport had also been told it was not among the 2006 starters because not enough Commonwealth countries competed in it.