Australia's state of Victoria has withdrawn as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, placing the future of the quadrennial multi-sport event in doubt and raising questions about the benefits and continued relevance of the Games.Victoria withdrew citing a projected budget blowout.The state's premier Dan Andrews said the cost of hosting the Games could potentially rise to more than A$7 billion (US$4.77 billion) from a budgeted A$2.6 billion (US$1.77 billion)."I will not take money out of hospitals and schools to fund an event that is three times the cost as estimated and budgeted for last year," he added.The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the global governing body, on the other hand, said Victoria's estimates were 50 per cent higher than those given to its organising committee board last month.Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) also questioned the state's cost estimates."The stated costs overrun, in our opinion, are a gross exaggeration," CGA Chief Executive Craig Phillips said.Victoria's decision to withdraw raises the possibility that the Games may not take place for the first time since being cancelled due to the Second World War.Neighbouring New South Wales, of which 2000 Olympic Games hosts Sydney is the capital, as well as South Australia and Western Australia states, have ruled themselves out as hosts.The CGF has said it is disappointed by Victoria's decision but is committed to finding a solution for the Games in 2026.The English city of Birmingham, which was due to host in 2026, stepped in to save the 2022 games after South Africa were stripped of hosting rights over a lack of progress in preparations.Birmingham's decision to host in 2022 led to the CGF scrambling to find another host for 2026.