Cricket at Asian Games 2026: Venue, Teams and All You Need to Know

Cricket enthusiasts across Asia are buzzing as the sport makes its highly anticipated fourth appearance at the Asian Games, set to captivate audiences in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The 20th Asian Games officially run from September 19 to October 4, 2026, but the cricket tournaments will commence earlier, promising a thrilling start to the multi-sport spectacle. With T20 International status for all matches, the competition is expected to deliver high-stakes action and contribute to global rankings. Cricket at Asian Games 2026: India Men's and Women's Cricket Draws Revealed for Aichi–Nagoya Event

Dates and Venue Confirmed

The women's cricket tournament is scheduled to run from September 17 to September 22, 2026, culminating in the medal matches on the final day. Following this, the men's tournament will take center stage from September 24, with the coveted medal matches slated for October 3, 2026. All cricket matches, for both men and women, will be hosted at the Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture. This facility, a remodelled baseball ground approximately 20 kilometres from central Nagoya, has been upgraded with temporary stands to accommodate around 2,000 spectators for the Games. It is the second facility in Japan to feature a natural grass pitch that meets the requirements for hosting international competitions. Preliminary and quarter-final matches are generally expected to feature morning sessions starting at 9:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) and afternoon sessions at 2:00 PM JST.

Participating Nations and Tournament Format

Both men's and women's tournaments will be played in the fast-paced Twenty20 format, ensuring exciting, high-scoring encounters. The men's competition will see 10 teams battling for supremacy. Reigning champions India, along with powerhouses Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, have secured direct entry into the quarter-finals based on their ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings. The remaining six teams – Afghanistan, Hong Kong, hosts Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, and Oman – will compete in a preliminary stage to determine the other four quarter-finalists.

The women's tournament will feature eight teams. The quarter-final matchups have been projected as India facing hosts Japan, Bangladesh taking on China, Sri Lanka battling Malaysia, and Pakistan challenging Thailand.

India's Title Defense and Key Players

India's men's team will arrive in Aichi-Nagoya as the defending champions, looking to replicate their success from the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. The squad is expected to be led by Shreyas Iyer, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also named in the Indian contingent. Key players from other nations, including Sahibzada Farhan from Pakistan, are expected to feature prominently. As the tournament draws closer, more specific details on squad compositions and player forms will emerge, setting the stage for captivating contests. India Squad for Asian Games 2026: Shreyas Iyer to Lead, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Included

Where to Watch

In India, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) holds the broadcast right of Asian Games 2026. The live telecast of Asian Games 2026 will be available on Sony Sports Network TV channels while live streaming will be available on SonyLiv.

The return of cricket to the Asian Games is a testament to its growing popularity and reach within the continent. With high-octane T20 action and top teams vying for glory, the Korogi Athletic Park is poised to witness memorable cricketing moments and an exhilarating display of talent.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 06:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).