Asian Games 2026: Cricket Schedule Announced; India Directly Enters Quarterfinals

Nagoya: The cricket schedule for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan has been announced, with T20 matches set to be played at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin from September 17 to October 3.

The men’s tournament will begin on September 24, featuring 10 teams. Defending champions India, along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have secured direct entry into the quarterfinals based on rankings.

Afghanistan, Nepal, Japan, Oman, Malaysia and Hong Kong China will compete in the preliminary stage. The teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two from each group progressing to the quarterfinals.

The men’s quarterfinals are scheduled for September 28 and 29, followed by the semifinals on October 1. The bronze-medal and gold-medal matches will be played on October 3.

The women’s tournament will take place from September 17 to 22, with eight teams entering directly at the quarterfinal stage.

India are the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s cricket events and will be aiming to retain their Asian Games titles.