Here’s all you need to know about the matches scheduled for the men’s cricket tournament
Cricket has returned as part of the Asian Games once again for 2026. The tournament is also going to start with a special one-off T20 match between Japan and India. India is the reigning champion in multiple T20 tournaments, and Japan is the host country for the Asian Games. This match up will look forward to promoting and displaying Japan’s commitment to cricket before the tournament officially begins.
Speaking about the matchup and the general atmosphere before the start of the tournament, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer couldn’t help but feel moved by the beauty of the country.
“It’s beautiful. The time we landed, we saw the people. They were very cordial, generous, and helpful in nature, which we see back at home as well. The hospitality is brilliant…,” Iyer said in an official interview. “Yes, it is going to be a thrilling and exciting match for us. This is the first time we are going to be playing Japan. I don’t know much about the conditions of the wicket but am looking forward to having a great match.”
Asian Games 2026: Seeding and Schedule for Matches
A total of 10 teams are participating in the tournament. Out of these teams, Afghanistan, Japan, and Nepal are seeded into Group A, and Hong Kong China, Malaysia, and Oman are in Group B.
Meanwhile, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will directly play during the quarter-finals. The top 2 teams from Groups A and B will progress forward to the quarter-finals to go up against these veterans.
Here is the official schedule for the entire tournament:
September 24, Thursday
- Group A: Afghanistan vs Japan
- Group B: Hong Kong China vs Malaysia
September 25, Friday
- Group B: Hong Kong China vs Oman
- Group A: Afghanistan vs Nepal
September 26, Saturday
- Group A: Japan vs Nepal
- Group B: Malaysia vs Oman
September 28, Monday
- Quarter-final: Pakistan vs B2
- Quarter-final: India vs A2
September 29, Tuesday
- Quarter-final: Sri Lanka vs A1
- Quarter-final: Bangladesh vs B1
October 1, Thursday
- Semi-final: Pakistan/B2 vs Bangladesh/B1
- Semi-final: India/A2 vs Sri Lanka/A1
October 3, Saturday
- Bronze medal match: Third-place playoff
- Gold medal match: Final
With the schedule already set in place, the newer teams will have an intimidating opponent to face during the quarter finals. But there is always a chance for a surprise during these events.
