Cricket returns as one of the main sports events featuring in the 20th edition of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The tournament includes 36 other sporting events this year.
In what is expected to be some intense T20 cricket, all teams battle for their places among the best in the Asian Games 2026 medal tally before the event ends.
Thanks to the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket schedule that has been officially announced, it won’t be hard for fans to keep up with all the fixtures and squad lists. India is the reigning champion in both men's and women's categories. Let's read more about how it will impact the overall medal tally and complete schedule hereonwards.
What is Asian Games 2026 Cricket Schedule and Match Dates?
The official tournament calendar splits the Asian Games 2026 cricket match schedule into two phases. The women’s cricket match event leads off, followed right away by the men’s knockout rounds as tabulated below.
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Asian Games 2026 Cricket Event
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Stage
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Start Date
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Final or Medal Match
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Venue
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Quarterfinals to Finals
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September 17, 2026
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September 22, 2026
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Kōrogi Sports Park, Nisshin
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Men's T20
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Group Stage to Finals
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September 24, 2026
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October 3, 2026
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KōrogiTop-rankedrk, Nisshin
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Top ranked countries from ICC cricket standings such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh already qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament. The remaining places in the knockout stage are filled through qualifying matches played in the first stage.
What is Asian Games 2026 Men’s Cricket India Squad
The Indian Cricket Team for the 2026 Asian Games includes regular international players as well as some of the best from domestic leagues. The selection was done keeping in mind an aggressive batting lineup and star all-rounders of India squad, who are ideal for short boundaries in Japan.
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Batting and Captaincy: Shreyas Iyer leads the T20 men's cricket team, supported by top-order batters Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube offer spin and pace options along with lower-order hitting power.
Pace Attack: Jasprit Bumrah leads the fast bowlers alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
According to the cricket fixtures for the 2026 Asian Games the quarterfinal game for India men's team will be played on September 28. Winning the match qualifies them directly for the semifinals and medal games on October 1 and 3.
How to Watch Asian Games 2026 Cricket Matches Live
Fans across the globe can follow every Asian Games sports match through regional sports broadcasters and online streaming services.
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India and South Asia: Matches stream live on the SonyLIV App and air on the Sony Sports Network TV channels.
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Southeast Asia and East Asia: Regional rights holders and local host channels in Japan carry the broadcasts.
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Match Timing: Daily morning fixtures start around 5:30 AM IST (9:00 AM local time in Japan).
Asian Games 2026 Cricket Format Context for Global Viewers
Cricket in the Asian Games provides a crucial stepping stone for teams before the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The national board views this competition as an ideal chance to test their new strategies and strengthen their teams.
For those who follow men's games of the Asian Games, expect quick scoring in T20 format, speedy turnaround time, and regional rivalries. Each win makes a difference as teams strive for podium places in Japan.