The men’s cricket competition is already underway at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, with four quarterfinal matches confirmed. Defending gold medalist India will face Afghanistan in a repeat of last time’s final on September 28, and medal contender Pakistan is ready to clash with Hong Kong in theirs on the same date. Nepal and Sri Lanka will take on each other in the third quarterfinal on September 29, and Bangladesh and Malaysia are scheduled for the fourth quarterfinal later in the day.&nbsp;<ul><li>1st Quarterfinal: Hong Kong vs Pakistan on September 28</li><li>2nd Quarterfinal: Afghanistan vs India on September 28</li><li>3rd Quarterfinal: Nepal vs Sri Lanka on September 29</li><li>4th Quarterfinal: Bangladesh vs Malaysia on September 29</li></ul>While Nepal and Afghanistan qualified for the quarterfinals from Group A, eliminating hosts Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong advanced through Group B, with Oman crashing out.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Saturday’s rain that prevented the Japan vs Nepal match and the Malaysia-Oman contest is also expected to be around the quarterfinal matches. The AccuWeather forecast for Monday mentions a 91% chance of rain during the match time, including a 22% chance of thunderstorms. The forecast is similar for Tuesday: 89% chance of rain and 18% chance of thunderstorms.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-sets-sights-on-2027-odi-world-cup-business-not-finished-1790414881759">‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup</a>&nbsp;Should rain play spoiler in a knockout game and the match is called off without a ball being bowled, the higher-seeded team, based on the ICC official T20I rankings, will advance through to the next stage. As things stand, the weather is expected to be favourable during the semifinals (Thursday) and medal playoffs (Saturday).&nbsp;The Men in Blue are defending Asian Games champions, having beaten Afghanistan in the gold medal match in Hangzhou in October 2023. Bangladesh finished third after beating Pakistan in the bronze-medal match.

Defending champions India face Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2026 quarterfinals on Sep 28, while Pakistan clash with Hong Kong. Read schedule & rules.

The men’s cricket competition is already underway at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, with four quarterfinal matches confirmed. Defending gold medalist India will face Afghanistan in a repeat of last time’s final on September 28, and medal contender Pakistan is ready to clash with Hong Kong in theirs on the same date. Nepal and Sri Lanka will take on each other in the third quarterfinal on September 29, and Bangladesh and Malaysia are scheduled for the fourth quarterfinal later in the day. 1st Quarterfinal: Hong Kong vs Pakistan on September 28 2nd Quarterfinal: Afghanistan vs India on September 28 3rd Quarterfinal: Nepal vs Sri Lanka on September 29 4th Quarterfinal: Bangladesh vs Malaysia on September 29 While Nepal and Afghanistan qualified for the quarterfinals from Group A, eliminating hosts Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong advanced through Group B, with Oman crashing out. Meanwhile, Saturday’s rain that prevented the Japan vs Nepal match and the Malaysia-Oman contest is also expected to be around the quarterfinal matches. The AccuWeather forecast for Monday mentions a 91% chance of rain during the match time, including a 22% chance of thunderstorms. The forecast is similar for Tuesday: 89% chance of rain and 18% chance of thunderstorms. Also read| ‘Business is not finished’: Rohit Sharma sets sights on 2027 ODI World Cup Should rain play spoiler in a knockout game and the match is called off without a ball being bowled, the higher-seeded team, based on the ICC official T20I rankings, will advance through to the next stage. As things stand, the weather is expected to be favourable during the semifinals (Thursday) and medal playoffs (Saturday). The Men in Blue are defending Asian Games champions, having beaten Afghanistan in the gold medal match in Hangzhou in October 2023. Bangladesh finished third after beating Pakistan in the bronze-medal match.

Defending champions India face Afghanistan in the Asian Games 2026 quarterfinals on Sep 28, while Pakistan clash with Hong Kong. Read schedule &amp; rules.

Asian Games 2026: India face Afghanistan in quarterfinal on Sep 28; Pakistan clash with Hong Kong

Harmanpreet Kaur wishes for a surge of gold medals for India at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 after her women’s cricket team won one and opened the gates for the coveted prize. India beat Sri Lanka in the final on Tuesday (Sep 22) and retained their gold medal at the Asiad in Aichi-Nagoya. India beat Japan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in three knockout matches to stand tall in the end. Harmanpreet says winning gold is an athlete’s dream, and she expressed immense pride in securing India's opening gold.&nbsp;“It feels good to get a gold medal. For any athlete, it’s a dream. Our team has opened the gate of gold medals. The more gold medals India wins, the better for us. We are going back (to India) tomorrow. But we will definitely follow (other events),” Harmanpreet said after India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs.&nbsp;“It’s a big thing for me, and for the team (to win gold). Since we came here, we had only one aim — to take the gold medal from here. We want to see our flag fly high and the national anthem sung. But we didn’t know we will be the first one to get the gold. I am sure the other athletes will win a lot of gold medals,” she continued.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shafali-verma-icc-t20i-rankings-asian-games-gold-japan-1790081634812">Shafali Verma surges to no. 4 in ICC T20I rankings after stellar Asian Games campaign</a>&nbsp;An ODI World Cup winner and a multi-time Asia Cup champion, captain Harmanpreet placed retaining Asiad gold amongst the top achievements. Sounding grateful for India’s first gold medal in this edition, Harmanpreet expects more for women’s cricket in the coming years with advanced facilities.&nbsp;“As a cricketer, we always wanted to be part of the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics because we have always participated in bilateral series, World Cup and Asia Cup. But we didn’t know how it feels when you play for a medal. We didn’t have much experience with those things. But thankfully, we got a chance to play in the last two editions. Before us, so many cricketers came, but they didn’t get that chance. I am sure that in future, facilities-wise, stadium-wise and crowd-wise, these things will improve,” she said.&nbsp;Delighted to have two gold medals framed back home, the decorated Indian women’s captain added, “And now, at least we can also frame two medals back home because when we win trophies, they go to the (BCCI) office. They don’t come back to us. But this is something which belongs to us.”

Harmanpreet Kaur expressed pride after India won its opening gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. Read her full reaction to the cricket team's historic win.

Harmanpreet Kaur wishes for a surge of gold medals for India at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 after her women’s cricket team won one and opened the gates for the coveted prize. India beat Sri Lanka in the final on Tuesday (Sep 22) and retained their gold medal at the Asiad in Aichi-Nagoya. India beat Japan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in three knockout matches to stand tall in the end. Harmanpreet says winning gold is an athlete’s dream, and she expressed immense pride in securing India's opening gold. “It feels good to get a gold medal. For any athlete, it’s a dream. Our team has opened the gate of gold medals. The more gold medals India wins, the better for us. We are going back (to India) tomorrow. But we will definitely follow (other events),” Harmanpreet said after India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs. “It’s a big thing for me, and for the team (to win gold). Since we came here, we had only one aim — to take the gold medal from here. We want to see our flag fly high and the national anthem sung. But we didn’t know we will be the first one to get the gold. I am sure the other athletes will win a lot of gold medals,” she continued. Also read| Shafali Verma surges to no. 4 in ICC T20I rankings after stellar Asian Games campaign An ODI World Cup winner and a multi-time Asia Cup champion, captain Harmanpreet placed retaining Asiad gold amongst the top achievements. Sounding grateful for India’s first gold medal in this edition, Harmanpreet expects more for women’s cricket in the coming years with advanced facilities. “As a cricketer, we always wanted to be part of the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics because we have always participated in bilateral series, World Cup and Asia Cup. But we didn’t know how it feels when you play for a medal. We didn’t have much experience with those things. But thankfully, we got a chance to play in the last two editions. Before us, so many cricketers came, but they didn’t get that chance. I am sure that in future, facilities-wise, stadium-wise and crowd-wise, these things will improve,” she said. Delighted to have two gold medals framed back home, the decorated Indian women’s captain added, “And now, at least we can also frame two medals back home because when we win trophies, they go to the (BCCI) office. They don’t come back to us. But this is something which belongs to us.”

Harmanpreet Kaur expressed pride after India won its opening gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. Read her full reaction to the cricket team's historic win.

'Our team opened the gate of gold medals': Harmanpreet Kaur on India’s Asian Games final win

Swashbuckling opener Shafali Verma has climbed to No. 4 in the women’s T20I rankings following a stellar showing at the Asian Games in Japan. Verma was the leading run-scorer in women’s cricket at the competition, scoring 188 runs in three innings at a strike rate over 200. The right-handed opener scored her maiden T20I hundred and broke several batting records during the triumphant campaign, which saw India defend its gold medal. India thrashed Sri Lanka by 147 runs on Tuesday (Sep 22) to clinch the gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. Also, her back-to-back fifties in the semifinal and the final of Asia Cup 2026 helped her climb the ladder in the women’s T20I rankings for batters.&nbsp;India faced off against Sri Lanka in the women’s summit clash. Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss, and India elected to bat first, with the two openers adding 99 for the first wicket. For the second time in two matches, Shafali and Smriti Mandhana provided India with a brilliant start, with the two right-handers smashing boundaries for fun. While Mandhana completed her successive fifty, scoring 79 off 45 -- India’s top-scorer in the final – Verma missed out on her half-century by just two runs.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-india-beat-sri-lanka-in-final-to-defend-women-s-cricket-gold-1790064346884">Asian Games 2026: India beat Sri Lanka in final to defend women's cricket gold</a>&nbsp;The attacking opener scored 48 off 29 balls, hitting three sixes and as many fours.<h2>Verma in Asian Games 2026</h2>Shafali Verma scored an unbeaten 40 in India’s tournament opener against Japan, clobbering six fours and two sixes at 266.67, before registering her highest T20I score against Bangladesh in the second semifinal.&nbsp;Shafali completed her first T20I hundred in 49 balls, hitting nine sixes and three fours, as India beat Bangladesh to qualify for the final.&nbsp;Sri Lanka hammered Pakistan in the first semifinal to punch their final ticket.&nbsp;The final was a head-on contest between two leading run-scorers in this competition: Verma and Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, with the Indian coming on top in the end. Athapaththu, however, finished the tournament with 175 runs in three outings at 162.04.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the T20I bowling rankings, the Indian spin duo of N Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma continued to occupy the top spots, with both recording career-best ratings.

Shafali Verma surges to No. 4 in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings after a record-breaking Asian Games campaign in Japan, leading India to gold. Read full details.

Swashbuckling opener Shafali Verma has climbed to No. 4 in the women’s T20I rankings following a stellar showing at the Asian Games in Japan. Verma was the leading run-scorer in women’s cricket at the competition, scoring 188 runs in three innings at a strike rate over 200. The right-handed opener scored her maiden T20I hundred and broke several batting records during the triumphant campaign, which saw India defend its gold medal. India thrashed Sri Lanka by 147 runs on Tuesday (Sep 22) to clinch the gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. Also, her back-to-back fifties in the semifinal and the final of Asia Cup 2026 helped her climb the ladder in the women’s T20I rankings for batters. India faced off against Sri Lanka in the women’s summit clash. Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss, and India elected to bat first, with the two openers adding 99 for the first wicket. For the second time in two matches, Shafali and Smriti Mandhana provided India with a brilliant start, with the two right-handers smashing boundaries for fun. While Mandhana completed her successive fifty, scoring 79 off 45 -- India’s top-scorer in the final – Verma missed out on her half-century by just two runs. Also read| Asian Games 2026: India beat Sri Lanka in final to defend women's cricket gold The attacking opener scored 48 off 29 balls, hitting three sixes and as many fours. Verma in Asian Games 2026 Shafali Verma scored an unbeaten 40 in India’s tournament opener against Japan, clobbering six fours and two sixes at 266.67, before registering her highest T20I score against Bangladesh in the second semifinal. Shafali completed her first T20I hundred in 49 balls, hitting nine sixes and three fours, as India beat Bangladesh to qualify for the final. Sri Lanka hammered Pakistan in the first semifinal to punch their final ticket. The final was a head-on contest between two leading run-scorers in this competition: Verma and Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, with the Indian coming on top in the end. Athapaththu, however, finished the tournament with 175 runs in three outings at 162.04. Meanwhile, in the T20I bowling rankings, the Indian spin duo of N Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma continued to occupy the top spots, with both recording career-best ratings.

Shafali Verma surges to No. 4 in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings after a record-breaking Asian Games campaign in Japan, leading India to gold. Read full details.

Shafali Verma surges to no. 4 in ICC T20I rankings after stellar Asian Games campaign

Heavy showers on the eve of Japan’s one-off historic T20I match against India in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, have threatened a similar forecast on match day (Tuesday). Sano International Cricket Ground, designed to seat 5,000 spectators, would have its drainage facilities tested if rain decides to play any spoiler. Meanwhile, India’s training session in the city was cancelled for the same reason.<h2>India Touchdown in Japan</h2>The Indian men’s cricket team landed in Japan on Monday for their first-ever meeting against the hosts in international cricket and also for their Asian Games campaign, starting September 28. Coming off a 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan at home, the defending world champions will aim to retain their Asian Games gold.&nbsp;India’s full-strength squad touched down in Tokyo ahead of a one-off T20I against Japan, with Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah all likely to be part of this contest.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Touchdown Tokyo 🛬 All smiles as <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> has arrived for their historic one-off T20I against Japan and the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AsianGames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianGames</a> 2026 campaign 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/GfoJBVVknY">pic.twitter.com/GfoJBVVknY</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2101897956270235695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-japan-t20i-sano-captain-kendel-kadowaki-fleming-cricket-growth-1789987335621">'India T20I can accelerate Japan’s cricket growth,' says captain Kendel ahead of historic face-off</a>&nbsp;Crediting the BCCI on accepting Japan Cricket Association’s (JCA) offer to play a T20I on their home soil, the Japanese captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said, “It's taken a massive effort from a lot of people involved to make it happen. Credit, of course, goes to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for accepting Japan’s proposal. Also, to our leadership team here at the Japan Cricket Association (JCA), and in particular, the CEO.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Indian captain Iyer sounded excited about his contest.&nbsp;"It is going to be a thrilling and exciting match for us playing Japan for the first time. Looking forward to a great match,” he said on the eve of the match, as the two captains attended the media and got the photoshoot with the trophy done.&nbsp;WATCH -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣️ 𝗜𝘁&#39;𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀 🎥 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> have arrived in Japan and Captain Shreyas Iyer <a href="https://x.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> is looking forward to the historic one-off T20I 🇮🇳🤝🇯🇵<a href="https://x.com/CricketJapan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CricketJapan</a> <a href="https://t.co/PZUo9kiCQ9">pic.twitter.com/PZUo9kiCQ9</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2101942597564715299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Check out the predicted playing XIs of both teams –</h3>India - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah&nbsp;Japan - Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake, Reo Sakurano-Thomas, Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (captain), Benjamin Ito-Davis, Charlie Hara-Hinze, Ibrahim Takahashi, Alester Kadowaki-Fleming, Wataru Miyauchi (wk), Declan Suzuki, Makoto Taniyama and Shoma Sugaya-Slater&nbsp;

Typhoon warnings threaten the historic India vs Japan T20I in Sano, but skipper Shreyas Iyer remains excited for the landmark encounter.

Heavy showers on the eve of Japan’s one-off historic T20I match against India in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, have threatened a similar forecast on match day (Tuesday). Sano International Cricket Ground, designed to seat 5,000 spectators, would have its drainage facilities tested if rain decides to play any spoiler. Meanwhile, India’s training session in the city was cancelled for the same reason. India Touchdown in Japan The Indian men’s cricket team landed in Japan on Monday for their first-ever meeting against the hosts in international cricket and also for their Asian Games campaign, starting September 28. Coming off a 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan at home, the defending world champions will aim to retain their Asian Games gold. India’s full-strength squad touched down in Tokyo ahead of a one-off T20I against Japan, with Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah all likely to be part of this contest.

Typhoon warnings threaten the historic India vs Japan T20I in Sano, but skipper Shreyas Iyer remains excited for the landmark encounter.

India vs Japan T20I: Rain threat looms over historic match as Iyer 'excited'

Shafali Verma’s maiden T20I hundred propelled the Indian women’s team into the final and the gold medal match against Sri Lanka at the ongoing Asian Games 2026. India thrashed Bangladesh by 114 runs in the second semifinal on Sunday (Sep 20), whereas Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the first semifinal to enter the final. India beat Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final last Sunday (Sep 13) in Dubai. A 114-run win over Bangladesh is also India’s third-biggest win in the T20Is.&nbsp;India batted first and smashed 195 for four in the 20 overs. Both openers Shafali and Smriti Mandhana entered history books for respective feats. While seasoned opener Mandhana surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is, Shafali smashed her maiden T20I hundred, also becoming the first woman to score a hundred in this competition.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-smriti-mandhana-t20i-record-sri-lanka-final-1789885818343">Asian Games 2026: Smriti Mandhana breaks T20I run record; Sri Lanka crush Pakistan to reach final</a>&nbsp;Mandhana departed on a quickfire 37, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur also missed her fifty by just 10 runs, after being stumped late in India’s innings. Shafali, however, was India’s best batter against Bangladesh. Impeccable with her timing, the 22-year-old, who made her T20I debut seven years ago in 2019, finally reached the three-digit score in this format.&nbsp;Shafali clobbered nine massive sixes and three fours to reach her first T20I hundred off 49 deliveries, on the last ball of the innings.<h2>Nandani, Deepti Pick 3 Wickets Each</h2>Bangladesh was never in the run chase, having lost three wickets for just 38 inside the Powerplay. Opener Dilara Akter was their best batter against India, scoring 27 runs as others failed to get going.&nbsp;For India, seamer Nandani Sharma and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma picked up three wickets each, with Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil also contributing with the wickets.&nbsp;India and Sri Lanka will face off in the final on Tuesday (Sep 22), while Pakistan and Bangladesh will compete in the bronze medal match earlier on the same day.

Shafali Verma hits a historic 49-ball century as India crush Bangladesh by 114 runs to set up an Asian Games 2026 gold medal clash with Sri Lanka.

Shafali Verma’s maiden T20I hundred propelled the Indian women’s team into the final and the gold medal match against Sri Lanka at the ongoing Asian Games 2026. India thrashed Bangladesh by 114 runs in the second semifinal on Sunday (Sep 20), whereas Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the first semifinal to enter the final. India beat Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final last Sunday (Sep 13) in Dubai. A 114-run win over Bangladesh is also India’s third-biggest win in the T20Is. India batted first and smashed 195 for four in the 20 overs. Both openers Shafali and Smriti Mandhana entered history books for respective feats. While seasoned opener Mandhana surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is, Shafali smashed her maiden T20I hundred, also becoming the first woman to score a hundred in this competition. Also read| Asian Games 2026: Smriti Mandhana breaks T20I run record; Sri Lanka crush Pakistan to reach final Mandhana departed on a quickfire 37, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur also missed her fifty by just 10 runs, after being stumped late in India’s innings. Shafali, however, was India’s best batter against Bangladesh. Impeccable with her timing, the 22-year-old, who made her T20I debut seven years ago in 2019, finally reached the three-digit score in this format. Shafali clobbered nine massive sixes and three fours to reach her first T20I hundred off 49 deliveries, on the last ball of the innings. Nandani, Deepti Pick 3 Wickets Each Bangladesh was never in the run chase, having lost three wickets for just 38 inside the Powerplay. Opener Dilara Akter was their best batter against India, scoring 27 runs as others failed to get going. For India, seamer Nandani Sharma and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma picked up three wickets each, with Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil also contributing with the wickets. India and Sri Lanka will face off in the final on Tuesday (Sep 22), while Pakistan and Bangladesh will compete in the bronze medal match earlier on the same day.

Shafali Verma hits a historic 49-ball century as India crush Bangladesh by 114 runs to set up an Asian Games 2026 gold medal clash with Sri Lanka.

Asia Cup finalists India and Sri Lanka to fight for women’s Asian Games gold

Talismanic Indian women’s team opener Smriti Mandhana broke the record for most T20I runs, going past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, during the ongoing semifinal against Bangladesh at the 2026 Asian Games. Opening the batting with Shafali Verma – who also broke the record for hitting the most T20I sixes during this game – Mandhana created history by becoming the all-time leading run-scorer in the shortest format. She sits at the top with 4788 runs, 30 more than Bates.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu smashed an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls to help her team beat Pakistan and qualify for the gold medal match.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-squads-india-tour-hetmyer-recalled-kamil-pooran-1789878804100">West Indies Squad for India Series: Hetmyer included for T20Is, Holder rested</a>&nbsp;After India won the toss and elected to bat first, the two openers unleashed the attack on the Bangladeshi bowlers inside the Powerplay. Early in the innings, Mandhana went past Bates to become the leading T20I run-scorer, with Shafali going about smashing boundaries for fun. The two added 72 for the first wicket inside the first six overs, before Mandhana departed for a quickfire 37 off 19 balls. Gunalan Kamalini fell for three next, with Shafali and captain Harmanpreet Kaur continuing to hurt Bangladesh.<h3>Shafali's 49-ball ton propels India to 195</h3>While Shafali completed her maiden T20I hundred seven years after her T20I debut, Harmanpreet failed to capitalise on the start, getting stumped for 40 off 33 balls. Verma, who completed her fifty in just 24 balls, notched up India’s first hundred in this competition in just 49 balls, hitting nine sixes and three fours.&nbsp;India posted 195 for four in the first innings.<h3>Athapaththu shines as Sri Lanka crush Pakistan</h3>Chasing 178 in 20 overs, Sri Lanka needed a strong foundation at the top to set the tone, and who better to do that than the captain and team’s veteran opener Athapaththu. Alongside her fellow opener Imesha Dulani, the left-handed batter added 36 for the first wicket and 95 for the second with Hasini Perera, who scored 42 off 26 balls.&nbsp;Chamari Athapaththu remained unbeaten on 83 as Sri Lanka completed the run chase with eight wickets and 13 balls remaining.

Smriti Mandhana becomes the all-time leading T20I run-scorer as India reach the Asian Games final. Plus, Chamari Athapaththu powers Sri Lanka past Pakistan.

Talismanic Indian women’s team opener Smriti Mandhana broke the record for most T20I runs, going past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, during the ongoing semifinal against Bangladesh at the 2026 Asian Games. Opening the batting with Shafali Verma – who also broke the record for hitting the most T20I sixes during this game – Mandhana created history by becoming the all-time leading run-scorer in the shortest format. She sits at the top with 4788 runs, 30 more than Bates. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu smashed an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls to help her team beat Pakistan and qualify for the gold medal match. Also read| West Indies Squad for India Series: Hetmyer included for T20Is, Holder rested After India won the toss and elected to bat first, the two openers unleashed the attack on the Bangladeshi bowlers inside the Powerplay. Early in the innings, Mandhana went past Bates to become the leading T20I run-scorer, with Shafali going about smashing boundaries for fun. The two added 72 for the first wicket inside the first six overs, before Mandhana departed for a quickfire 37 off 19 balls. Gunalan Kamalini fell for three next, with Shafali and captain Harmanpreet Kaur continuing to hurt Bangladesh. Shafali's 49-ball ton propels India to 195 While Shafali completed her maiden T20I hundred seven years after her T20I debut, Harmanpreet failed to capitalise on the start, getting stumped for 40 off 33 balls. Verma, who completed her fifty in just 24 balls, notched up India’s first hundred in this competition in just 49 balls, hitting nine sixes and three fours. India posted 195 for four in the first innings. Athapaththu shines as Sri Lanka crush Pakistan Chasing 178 in 20 overs, Sri Lanka needed a strong foundation at the top to set the tone, and who better to do that than the captain and team’s veteran opener Athapaththu. Alongside her fellow opener Imesha Dulani, the left-handed batter added 36 for the first wicket and 95 for the second with Hasini Perera, who scored 42 off 26 balls. Chamari Athapaththu remained unbeaten on 83 as Sri Lanka completed the run chase with eight wickets and 13 balls remaining.

Smriti Mandhana becomes the all-time leading T20I run-scorer as India reach the Asian Games final. Plus, Chamari Athapaththu powers Sri Lanka past Pakistan.

Asian Games 2026: Smriti Mandhana breaks T20I run record; Sri Lanka crush Pakistan to reach final

The Indian families living in Japan have stepped up, offering to house Asian Games athletes should accommodation in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture fall short, officials said on Saturday (Sep 19). The 2026 Asian Games is already underway in Japan, only for the competition’s build-up to be dogged by accommodation problems. To save money, Japan decided against building an Athletes’ Village – accommodation for all athletes and travelling entourages during such mega events worldwide – with the organisers choosing to put up a combination of hotel rooms, temporary wooden container-style huts and a cruise ship.&nbsp;However, many of the 17,000 athletes and officials arriving in Japan for the Games have expressed reservations over their allocated temporary accommodation, saying that the rooms are too compact to place their kits, and so are the beds.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-north-korean-anthem-plays-during-south-korea-hockey-match-1789728476565">Asian Games 2026: North Korean anthem plays during South Korea hockey match</a>&nbsp;With almost 500 Indians participating in the Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has moved several from the huts into hotels, further placing contingency plans should the room shortage scenario get worse, with more competitors and support staff arriving in the coming days.&nbsp;"We have booked hotels for our athletes here," Sahdev Yadav, India's chef de mission at the Asian Games and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)'s treasurer, told AFP. "But if the hotel rooms fall short, then yes, we have Indian households here on standby to accommodate the athletes.&nbsp;"They are all more than happy to welcome the stars at their homes."&nbsp;An AFP report claims that the Indian embassy in Japan has reached out to around 2,000 Indian residents in those two areas, some of whom are willing to offer their homes as accommodations for the athletes. Organisers said the accommodation was safe, cost-effective and comfortable, and Japan should be applauded for trying to do something different.<h2>Indian Cricket at Asian Games</h2>The Indian women’s cricket team had reached Japan for their scheduled knockout matches, having already won their quarterfinal clash against the hosts Japan by eight wickets. Harmanpreet Kaur-led women’s team will face Bangladesh in the second semifinal on Sunday (Sep 20), with Pakistan and Sri Lanka squaring off in the first.&nbsp;On the other hand, the Indian men’s team will begin their Asian Games campaign on Sep 28, with the two sides expected to win respective gold medals.

Around 2,000 Indian residents in Japan are on standby to house Asian Games athletes in Nagoya and Aichi amid room shortages and housing glitches.

The Indian families living in Japan have stepped up, offering to house Asian Games athletes should accommodation in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture fall short, officials said on Saturday (Sep 19). The 2026 Asian Games is already underway in Japan, only for the competition’s build-up to be dogged by accommodation problems. To save money, Japan decided against building an Athletes’ Village – accommodation for all athletes and travelling entourages during such mega events worldwide – with the organisers choosing to put up a combination of hotel rooms, temporary wooden container-style huts and a cruise ship. However, many of the 17,000 athletes and officials arriving in Japan for the Games have expressed reservations over their allocated temporary accommodation, saying that the rooms are too compact to place their kits, and so are the beds. Also read| Asian Games 2026: North Korean anthem plays during South Korea hockey match With almost 500 Indians participating in the Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has moved several from the huts into hotels, further placing contingency plans should the room shortage scenario get worse, with more competitors and support staff arriving in the coming days. "We have booked hotels for our athletes here," Sahdev Yadav, India's chef de mission at the Asian Games and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)'s treasurer, told AFP. "But if the hotel rooms fall short, then yes, we have Indian households here on standby to accommodate the athletes. "They are all more than happy to welcome the stars at their homes." An AFP report claims that the Indian embassy in Japan has reached out to around 2,000 Indian residents in those two areas, some of whom are willing to offer their homes as accommodations for the athletes. Organisers said the accommodation was safe, cost-effective and comfortable, and Japan should be applauded for trying to do something different. Indian Cricket at Asian Games The Indian women’s cricket team had reached Japan for their scheduled knockout matches, having already won their quarterfinal clash against the hosts Japan by eight wickets. Harmanpreet Kaur-led women’s team will face Bangladesh in the second semifinal on Sunday (Sep 20), with Pakistan and Sri Lanka squaring off in the first. On the other hand, the Indian men’s team will begin their Asian Games campaign on Sep 28, with the two sides expected to win respective gold medals.

Around 2,000 Indian residents in Japan are on standby to house Asian Games athletes in Nagoya and Aichi amid room shortages and housing glitches.

2,000 Indian residents in Japan on stand-by to house Asian Games athletes

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has told the Indian Cricket Board that it can arrange logistics for their travelling entourages for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. After the BCCI and other ACC members raised concerns over a lack of ‘proper 5-star facilities’ for their men’s and women’s squads, the organisers and the IOA gave them a free hand to arrange their own accommodations. The IOA also asked the BCCI to take responsibility for their food and transport and to ensure the teams reach the match venue on time. &nbsp;The players, however, also remain bound by Games protocol, accreditation, security, and WADA/ITA anti-doping location reporting.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-vvs-laxman-back-as-india-men-s-head-coach-for-shreyas-iyer-led-side-1788495953574">Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side</a> &nbsp;A Times of India (TOI) report suggests that a fruitful discussion between the BCCI and the IOA led to a mutual agreement that the BCCI will shoulder all logistical responsibilities, with the IOA urging equal treatment and welfare for the Indian contingent across 36 sports. &nbsp;“BCCI CEO Hemang Amin got in touch with us (IOA), and we had a fruitful discussion. They are contemplating sending an advance team to Japan to assess the facilities. The IOA is completely fine with that. Based on their assessment, they can decide whether they want to use the organisers’ facilities or make their own arrangements. It is for the BCCI and the organisers to work out the best solution. All sports, athletes, coaches and the entire delegation are treated equally by IOA,” IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said in a chat with TOI.<h2>Stays, Issues and Beyond</h2>Per the latest report, the men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allotted different hotels. While the men’s team is scheduled to put up at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, the women’s team will stay at the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel. The two properties have the requisite amenities, although both are grades below the 5-star accommodations the Indian players are accustomed to. Meanwhile, the mandate for twin-sharing rooms has emerged as a primary point of friction for the board.<h3>From Dubai to Nagoya</h3>With Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian team expected to reach the ongoing Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday (Sep 13) in Dubai, they would need to fly to Nagoya, Japan, the next day for their six-team competition. The Asian Games tournament begins with the women’s quarterfinal on Sep 18, with their final scheduled on Sep 22. The men’s competition, led by T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, will fly to Japan on Sep 21, with India’s schedule beginning on Sep 28 and the final on Oct 4. &nbsp;With the BCCI having arrival and departure window schedules for both teams, they are now looking at accommodation and logistics. An advance team will travel to Japan early next week to inspect the hotels, cricket venues and other facilities before the two squads fly out. &nbsp;Moreover, Aichi-Nagoya, the host city, is already under severe accommodation pressure, with the number of athletes and coaches expected to be around 17,000, up from their estimated figure of 15,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;“The BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advance team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes. Our objective is that the entire Indian delegation has a comfortable stay and a wonderful experience in Japan,” he concluded.

The IOA has told the BCCI there will be "no special treatment" for cricket at the 2026 Asian Games. If the board wants 5-star facilities instead of 3-star official hotels, it must manage its own logistics. Read more. 

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has told the Indian Cricket Board that it can arrange logistics for their travelling entourages for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. After the BCCI and other ACC members raised concerns over a lack of ‘proper 5-star facilities’ for their men’s and women’s squads, the organisers and the IOA gave them a free hand to arrange their own accommodations. The IOA also asked the BCCI to take responsibility for their food and transport and to ensure the teams reach the match venue on time. The players, however, also remain bound by Games protocol, accreditation, security, and WADA/ITA anti-doping location reporting. Also read| Asian Games 2026: VVS Laxman back as India men's head coach for Shreyas Iyer-led side A Times of India (TOI) report suggests that a fruitful discussion between the BCCI and the IOA led to a mutual agreement that the BCCI will shoulder all logistical responsibilities, with the IOA urging equal treatment and welfare for the Indian contingent across 36 sports. “BCCI CEO Hemang Amin got in touch with us (IOA), and we had a fruitful discussion. They are contemplating sending an advance team to Japan to assess the facilities. The IOA is completely fine with that. Based on their assessment, they can decide whether they want to use the organisers’ facilities or make their own arrangements. It is for the BCCI and the organisers to work out the best solution. All sports, athletes, coaches and the entire delegation are treated equally by IOA,” IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said in a chat with TOI. Stays, Issues and Beyond Per the latest report, the men’s and women’s cricket teams have been allotted different hotels. While the men’s team is scheduled to put up at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, the women’s team will stay at the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel. The two properties have the requisite amenities, although both are grades below the 5-star accommodations the Indian players are accustomed to. Meanwhile, the mandate for twin-sharing rooms has emerged as a primary point of friction for the board. From Dubai to Nagoya With Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian team expected to reach the ongoing Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday (Sep 13) in Dubai, they would need to fly to Nagoya, Japan, the next day for their six-team competition. The Asian Games tournament begins with the women’s quarterfinal on Sep 18, with their final scheduled on Sep 22. The men’s competition, led by T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, will fly to Japan on Sep 21, with India’s schedule beginning on Sep 28 and the final on Oct 4. With the BCCI having arrival and departure window schedules for both teams, they are now looking at accommodation and logistics. An advance team will travel to Japan early next week to inspect the hotels, cricket venues and other facilities before the two squads fly out. Moreover, Aichi-Nagoya, the host city, is already under severe accommodation pressure, with the number of athletes and coaches expected to be around 17,000, up from their estimated figure of 15,000. “The BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advance team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes. Our objective is that the entire Indian delegation has a comfortable stay and a wonderful experience in Japan,” he concluded.

The IOA has told the BCCI there will be "no special treatment" for cricket at the 2026 Asian Games. If the board wants 5-star facilities instead of 3-star official hotels, it must manage its own logistics. Read more.&nbsp;

Asian Games 2026: IOA tells BCCI 'no special treatment' for cricket, asks board to handle own logistics

The lack of five-star hotel facilities for cricket players at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan has caused a stir within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which has heard concerns raised by participating members. The men's and women's T20 competition will be played at Japan's newly built cricket ground in Nisshin starting September 17. However, reports of tents being used as dressing rooms, distant washroom facilities and a lack of top-class accommodation for cricketers have raised eyebrows. &nbsp;"There are some concerns with regard to the quality of accommodation being provided and also with regard to the logistics," Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Prakash Schaffter said to the reporters in Colombo. He added that the ACC executive committee has also discussed the Asian Games with a 'degree of detail' at its concluded meeting in Bangkok.&nbsp; &nbsp;Although teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have agreed to send their representatives to examine the makeshift venue and other logistical arrangements, the ACC and the organisers are hopeful the tournament will go ahead as planned.&nbsp; &nbsp;"There is a lack of available five-star rooms. Cricketers are generally provided with five-star accommodation," he said, adding that Japan’s host city did not have luxury hotels to accommodate all athletes and spectators. &nbsp;Meanwhile, reports across the Indian subcontinent claim the BCCI was unhappy with the Asian Games’ arrangements for the cricket competition as they even contemplated sending a second-string team for the tournament. &nbsp;India named a potent 15-man squad for the multi-team event, with T20I captain Shreyas Iyer leading the charge. While the squad includes almost all first-team players, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also made the cut.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/duleep-trophy-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-scripts-history-becomes-youngest-batter-to-achieve-this-milestone-1788158737341">Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scripts history, becomes youngest batter to achieve THIS milestone</a> &nbsp;The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said the ACC member boards are looking at concerns around player facilities at the Asian Games. &nbsp;"The cricket part of the Asian Games will be looked after by the Asian Cricket Council," BCB cricket operations manager Shahriar Nafees said. "The individual boards have already discussed it at the ACC forum, and they will take a collective decision on the issue."&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Asian Games 2026 cricket in Japan faces major backlash over a lack of 5-star hotel facilities, tents as dressing rooms, and logistical concerns raised by ACC.

The lack of five-star hotel facilities for cricket players at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan has caused a stir within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which has heard concerns raised by participating members. The men's and women's T20 competition will be played at Japan's newly built cricket ground in Nisshin starting September 17. However, reports of tents being used as dressing rooms, distant washroom facilities and a lack of top-class accommodation for cricketers have raised eyebrows. "There are some concerns with regard to the quality of accommodation being provided and also with regard to the logistics," Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Prakash Schaffter said to the reporters in Colombo. He added that the ACC executive committee has also discussed the Asian Games with a 'degree of detail' at its concluded meeting in Bangkok. Although teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have agreed to send their representatives to examine the makeshift venue and other logistical arrangements, the ACC and the organisers are hopeful the tournament will go ahead as planned. "There is a lack of available five-star rooms. Cricketers are generally provided with five-star accommodation," he said, adding that Japan’s host city did not have luxury hotels to accommodate all athletes and spectators. Meanwhile, reports across the Indian subcontinent claim the BCCI was unhappy with the Asian Games’ arrangements for the cricket competition as they even contemplated sending a second-string team for the tournament. India named a potent 15-man squad for the multi-team event, with T20I captain Shreyas Iyer leading the charge. While the squad includes almost all first-team players, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also made the cut. Also read| Duleep Trophy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scripts history, becomes youngest batter to achieve THIS milestone The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said the ACC member boards are looking at concerns around player facilities at the Asian Games. "The cricket part of the Asian Games will be looked after by the Asian Cricket Council," BCB cricket operations manager Shahriar Nafees said. "The individual boards have already discussed it at the ACC forum, and they will take a collective decision on the issue." (With inputs from AFP)

Asian Games 2026 cricket in Japan faces major backlash over a lack of 5-star hotel facilities, tents as dressing rooms, and logistical concerns raised by ACC.

Lack of 5-star room service plagues Asian Games cricket, official says

Asian cricket giants, including India and Pakistan, are unhappy with the cricketing facilities provided for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) facing heat for a delayed inspection. Accommodations and venues have come under scrutiny, with top nations expressing reservations ahead of the competition. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have also joined India and Pakistan in voicing concerns. &nbsp;A Cricbuzz report claims that this issue was raised during the concluded ACC meeting in Bangkok, where accommodation arrangements have emerged as one of the biggest issues. The Asian Games organisers have offered three options to the travelling entourages: stay in the cities and travel to the venues via bullet train, live on a ship anchored near the venue, or use marquee-style tent accommodation.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-t20-asia-cup-2026-all-you-need-to-know-about-schedule-squads-venues-and-more-1787902782263">Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026: All you need to know about schedule, squads, venues and more</a> &nbsp;The options, however, have reportedly been unconvincing for the leading teams, mainly because of the room sizes. It’s also because there are doubts over whether two players, along with their cricket kits and luggage, could be comfortably accommodated in the same room. &nbsp;The Asian Games cricket competition will feature both men’s and women’s events, with 10 teams representing men’s divisions and eight in women’s. The concerns are particularly significant for the Test-playing nations, with several established stars representing their countries at the Games.<h2>ACC Late to Respond</h2>Besides the room-size issue, questions were also raised over the ACC’s response timing. The Cricbuzz report states that some board members believe the continental body has acted later than it should have on the accommodation issue. Meanwhile, other sports governing bodies have arranged accommodation for their participating teams considerably earlier. &nbsp;Moreover, the cricket venue in Nisshin City has raised uncertainty. The facility, which was reported to be a makeshift venue without a proper dressing room, raised questions about its readiness to host a tournament involving top Asian teams.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has indicated that work was continuing at the venue, and that the ground was almost ready; however, more work was required before it could host the participating teams, spectators and match officials.&nbsp; &nbsp;An ACC member has also confirmed to the publication that the continental body would send a team to Japan to inspect the facilities. This matter has also been discussed within the BCCI and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which stated that a member of the BCCI’s operations team was expected to travel to Japan to assess the situation.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, despite all uncertainties, both Shreyas Iyer and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to field full-strength teams for the cricket competition at the Asian Games.&nbsp; &nbsp;Cricket at the Asian Games will be played in the T20 format, and the matches are scheduled to begin on September 17 – two days before the opening ceremony on September 19.&nbsp; &nbsp;The women’s gold medal match is scheduled for September 22, while the men’s final will take place on October 3.&nbsp;

India, Pakistan, and top Asian cricket boards have raised concerns over poor accommodation and makeshift venue arrangements for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with the ACC facing heat over delayed inspections.

Asian cricket giants, including India and Pakistan, are unhappy with the cricketing facilities provided for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) facing heat for a delayed inspection. Accommodations and venues have come under scrutiny, with top nations expressing reservations ahead of the competition. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have also joined India and Pakistan in voicing concerns. A Cricbuzz report claims that this issue was raised during the concluded ACC meeting in Bangkok, where accommodation arrangements have emerged as one of the biggest issues. The Asian Games organisers have offered three options to the travelling entourages: stay in the cities and travel to the venues via bullet train, live on a ship anchored near the venue, or use marquee-style tent accommodation. Also read| Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026: All you need to know about schedule, squads, venues and more The options, however, have reportedly been unconvincing for the leading teams, mainly because of the room sizes. It’s also because there are doubts over whether two players, along with their cricket kits and luggage, could be comfortably accommodated in the same room. The Asian Games cricket competition will feature both men’s and women’s events, with 10 teams representing men’s divisions and eight in women’s. The concerns are particularly significant for the Test-playing nations, with several established stars representing their countries at the Games. ACC Late to Respond Besides the room-size issue, questions were also raised over the ACC’s response timing. The Cricbuzz report states that some board members believe the continental body has acted later than it should have on the accommodation issue. Meanwhile, other sports governing bodies have arranged accommodation for their participating teams considerably earlier. Moreover, the cricket venue in Nisshin City has raised uncertainty. The facility, which was reported to be a makeshift venue without a proper dressing room, raised questions about its readiness to host a tournament involving top Asian teams. Meanwhile, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has indicated that work was continuing at the venue, and that the ground was almost ready; however, more work was required before it could host the participating teams, spectators and match officials. An ACC member has also confirmed to the publication that the continental body would send a team to Japan to inspect the facilities. This matter has also been discussed within the BCCI and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which stated that a member of the BCCI’s operations team was expected to travel to Japan to assess the situation. However, despite all uncertainties, both Shreyas Iyer and Harmanpreet Kaur are set to field full-strength teams for the cricket competition at the Asian Games. Cricket at the Asian Games will be played in the T20 format, and the matches are scheduled to begin on September 17 – two days before the opening ceremony on September 19. The women’s gold medal match is scheduled for September 22, while the men’s final will take place on October 3.

India, Pakistan, and top Asian cricket boards have raised concerns over poor accommodation and makeshift venue arrangements for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with the ACC facing heat over delayed inspections.

India, Pakistan unhappy with Japan's Asian Games cricket facilities; ACC under scanner for delayed response

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are unlikely to meet across men’s or women’s cricket at the upcoming Nagoya Asian Games unless it’s for the medal. Unlike other ICC or ACC events, where the two Asian giants are often placed together for engagement and subsequent monetary purposes, the two teams might not play each other at all in this tournament unless it's the gold medal match. Considering there is always a chance for them to meet up in a cricket tournament, chances are bleak for the upcoming edition because the draws are such. &nbsp;The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, with cricket scheduled from September 17 to October 3, starting with the women’s cricket. The women’s cricket final will take place on September 22, after which the men’s competition gets underway. 10 teams in each division will compete in this medal event.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-ceo-future-one-day-cricket-random-odis-1786551821769">'No Room for Random ODIs': ICC CEO speaks out on One-Day Cricket's future</a> &nbsp;The defending gold medal winners, India, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are seeded directly into the quarterfinals; the remaining six teams, including Afghanistan, will contest for a knockout place in the group stage. While India will play in quarterfinal 2, Pakistan is placed in quarterfinal 1, with the two games scheduled for September 28. Their opponents will be the teams that advanced through the group stage. &nbsp;The semifinal seeding ensures that the winner of quarterfinal 2, which could be India, will face the winner of quarterfinal 3; whereas, the winner of quarterfinal 1, likely Pakistan, will face the winner of quarterfinal 4. The two semifinals are also scheduled on the same day (October 1).&nbsp; &nbsp;Such a scenario means only one thing: India and Pakistan can meet only in a gold medal match, or in the bronze medal match, should the two lose their respective semifinals. &nbsp;Meanwhile, other than Afghanistan, the remaining teams in the men’s category are Nepal, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Malaysia and Oman.&nbsp;<h2>No IND-PAK Face-off in Women’s Category</h2>Likewise, in the men’s event, India and Pakistan are highly unlikely to meet in the women’s category as well, again, unless it’s for a medal. &nbsp;In the women’s competition, India is ranked number one, while Pakistan is seeded fourth behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, respectively. However, their draw sees India facing Japan in the quarterfinal, and upon progressing, their likely opponents would be Bangladesh or Hong Kong, China. &nbsp;On the other hand, Pakistan will face Thailand in their quarterfinal fixture, and should they win, they will face one of Sri Lanka or Malaysia. A potential Indian women’s vs Pakistan women’s match could, therefore, only be possible in the final or the bronze-medal play-off, scheduled for September 22.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture will host all cricket matches.

India and Pakistan can only meet in a medal match at the 2026 Asian Games after being placed on opposite sides of the cricket tournament draw.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are unlikely to meet across men’s or women’s cricket at the upcoming Nagoya Asian Games unless it’s for the medal. Unlike other ICC or ACC events, where the two Asian giants are often placed together for engagement and subsequent monetary purposes, the two teams might not play each other at all in this tournament unless it's the gold medal match. Considering there is always a chance for them to meet up in a cricket tournament, chances are bleak for the upcoming edition because the draws are such. The 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, with cricket scheduled from September 17 to October 3, starting with the women’s cricket. The women’s cricket final will take place on September 22, after which the men’s competition gets underway. 10 teams in each division will compete in this medal event. Also read| 'No Room for Random ODIs': ICC CEO speaks out on One-Day Cricket's future The defending gold medal winners, India, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are seeded directly into the quarterfinals; the remaining six teams, including Afghanistan, will contest for a knockout place in the group stage. While India will play in quarterfinal 2, Pakistan is placed in quarterfinal 1, with the two games scheduled for September 28. Their opponents will be the teams that advanced through the group stage. The semifinal seeding ensures that the winner of quarterfinal 2, which could be India, will face the winner of quarterfinal 3; whereas, the winner of quarterfinal 1, likely Pakistan, will face the winner of quarterfinal 4. The two semifinals are also scheduled on the same day (October 1). Such a scenario means only one thing: India and Pakistan can meet only in a gold medal match, or in the bronze medal match, should the two lose their respective semifinals. Meanwhile, other than Afghanistan, the remaining teams in the men’s category are Nepal, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Malaysia and Oman. No IND-PAK Face-off in Women’s Category Likewise, in the men’s event, India and Pakistan are highly unlikely to meet in the women’s category as well, again, unless it’s for a medal. In the women’s competition, India is ranked number one, while Pakistan is seeded fourth behind Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, respectively. However, their draw sees India facing Japan in the quarterfinal, and upon progressing, their likely opponents would be Bangladesh or Hong Kong, China. On the other hand, Pakistan will face Thailand in their quarterfinal fixture, and should they win, they will face one of Sri Lanka or Malaysia. A potential Indian women’s vs Pakistan women’s match could, therefore, only be possible in the final or the bronze-medal play-off, scheduled for September 22. The Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture will host all cricket matches.

India and Pakistan can only meet in a medal match at the 2026 Asian Games after being placed on opposite sides of the cricket tournament draw.

Asian Games 2026: No India-Pakistan cricket match unless it’s for the medal