TOKYO: The men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games is set to bring some of Asia’s biggest cricket rivalries to Japan, with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka among the teams competing for the gold medal.
The tournament begins on September 24 in Aichi-Nagoya, marking the fourth appearance of cricket at the Asian Games. Ten teams will participate in the T20 competition, which runs until October 3.
India-Pakistan clash possible in knockout stage
One of the biggest attractions of the tournament is the possibility of an India-Pakistan meeting. The two traditional rivals are not guaranteed to face each other but could meet in the semi-finals if both teams progress through the knockout rounds.
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India enter the competition as defending champions after winning the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
New format tests Asia’s rising teams
The tournament features a mix of established cricket nations and emerging teams. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka received automatic qualification, while Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal and Oman secured places through the Asian Games qualifier. Host nation Japan completes the 10-team lineup.
The lower-ranked teams will compete in the group stage, with the top sides advancing to the quarter-finals, where they will face the higher-ranked teams.
Japan provides new stage for Asian cricket
All matches will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, near Nagoya, as Japan continues to expand its cricket presence.
The tournament also provides an opportunity for emerging players to compete against Asia’s leading cricket nations. Nepal’s experienced spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Pakistan’s returning batter Saim Ayub are among the players expected to attract attention.
With a potential India-Pakistan encounter, strong medal contenders and growing participation from developing cricket nations, the Asian Games cricket tournament offers a wider stage for the sport’s expansion across the continent.
