Japan will host the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4. The cricket schedule for the event has now been announced. Both Indian men’s and women’s teams will participate in the tournament. Women’s cricket matches will begin before the opening ceremony. Meanwhile, men’s matches will start from September 24. India will send 523 athletes across 35 sports during the Asian Games.
Men’s Team Receives Direct Quarterfinal Entry
The men’s cricket tournament will run from September 24 to October 3. A total of 10 teams will compete for medals. The organisers seeded teams according to T20 rankings dated July 23, 2026.
However, six lowest-ranked teams must qualify through the group stage. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh received direct quarterfinal spots because of their ICC rankings. India will play its quarterfinal match on September 28.
The men’s tournament features India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Oman.
Women’s Competition Begins With Quarterfinal Matches
The women’s cricket event will include eight teams. The tournament will follow a knockout format starting from the quarterfinal stage. India’s women’s team will face Japan in the quarterfinal on September 17.
The final of the women’s tournament will take place on September 22. The participating teams include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Japan, China, and Malaysia.
Men’s Cricket Tournament Full Schedule
- September 24: Afghanistan vs Japan
- September 24: Hong Kong vs Malaysia
- September 25: Afghanistan vs Nepal
- September 25: Hong Kong vs Oman
- September 26: Japan vs Nepal
- September 26: Malaysia vs Oman
- September 28: First Quarterfinal: India vs Group A runner-up
- September 28: Second Quarterfinal: Pakistan vs Group B runner-up
- September 29: Third Quarterfinal: Bangladesh vs Group B winner
- September 29: Fourth Quarterfinal: Sri Lanka vs Group A winner
- October 1: First Semifinal
- October 1: Second Semifinal
- October 3: Bronze Medal Match
- October 3: Gold Medal Match
Women’s Cricket Tournament Full Schedule
- September 17: India vs Japan, First Quarterfinal
- September 17: Bangladesh vs China, Second Quarterfinal
- September 18: Malaysia vs Sri Lanka, Third Quarterfinal
- September 18: Pakistan vs Thailand, Fourth Quarterfinal
- September 20: First Semifinal
- September 20: Second Semifinal
- September 22: Bronze Medal Match
- September 22: Gold Medal Match
The Asian Games cricket schedule sets up a major medal opportunity for India. Both teams will enter the competition from strong positions after receiving quarterfinal advantages.
