The Asian Games 2026 cricket schedule for September 24 marks the start of the men’s T20 cricket competition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. However, Indian cricket fans will not see Team India in action on the opening day because India has received a direct entry into the quarter-finals.
The men’s cricket tournament begins on Thursday, September 24, with preliminary group matches involving Afghanistan, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have already secured places in the quarter-finals based on their seeding.
Asian Games 2026 Cricket Schedule – September 24
Two men’s T20 matches are scheduled for September 24.
| Time in IST | Match | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Afghanistan vs Japan | Group A |
| 10:30 AM | Hong Kong, China vs Malaysia | Group B |
Both matches are being played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture. The official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 schedule lists the matches at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM local time respectively.
Is India Playing Cricket on September 24?
No. India does not have a cricket match on September 24.
The Indian men’s cricket team has been seeded directly into the quarter-final stage. India’s first match is scheduled for September 28, when it will face the team finishing second in Group A.
Group A consists of:
- Afghanistan
- Japan
- Nepal
The second-placed team from this group will become India’s quarter-final opponent.
India’s Asian Games 2026 Cricket Schedule
India’s men’s cricket campaign is scheduled to begin on September 28.
| Date | Match | Time (IST) | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 28 | India vs 2nd-place Group A team | 10:30 AM | Quarter-final |
| October 1 | India vs opponent | 10:30 AM | Semi-final* |
| October 3 | India vs opponent | 10:30 AM | Gold Medal Match* |
| October 3 | India vs opponent | 5:30 AM | Bronze Medal Match* |
*The semi-final and medal-match fixtures depend on India’s progress in the tournament.
India Gets Direct Quarter-Final Entry
India is one of four seeded teams that have been given direct entry into the men’s quarter-finals.
The other seeded teams are Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman will compete in the preliminary group stage for the remaining quarter-final places.
This means India can avoid the preliminary group matches and enter the knockout stage on September 28.
September 24 Matches: Afghanistan vs Japan
The opening men’s cricket match of the Asian Games 2026 is Afghanistan vs Japan.
The Group A match is scheduled for 9:00 AM local time, which corresponds to 5:30 AM IST. It will be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Japan will be looking to make an impression on home soil, while Afghanistan enters the competition with significant international T20 experience.
Hong Kong vs Malaysia
The second match on September 24 is between Hong Kong, China and Malaysia.
The Group B fixture is scheduled for 2:00 PM local time, or 10:30 AM IST.
The result will be important for determining the Group B standings and the teams that eventually qualify for the quarter-finals.
When Will India Play?
Indian fans should mark September 28 on their calendars.
India’s quarter-final is scheduled for 10:30 AM IST. The opponent will be the team finishing second in Group A. Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal are competing for the two qualifying positions from the group.
India’s exact opponent will therefore only become clear after the preliminary matches are completed.
India’s Cricket Team and Asian Games Campaign
India enters the men’s competition as the defending Asian Games champion after winning gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
The 2026 tournament gives India another opportunity to compete for the gold medal in the T20 format. The men’s competition will run from September 24 through October 3.
The women’s cricket competition has already been completed, with India winning the gold medal after defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
Where to Watch Asian Games 2026 Cricket
For viewers in India, Asian Games 2026 cricket coverage is available through the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming through Sony LIV, according to current broadcast information.
Fans should check the broadcaster’s latest listings because match coverage and streaming availability can change.
Asian Games 2026 Cricket: Key Dates
The important men’s cricket dates are:
September 24: Afghanistan vs Japan; Hong Kong vs Malaysia
September 25: Hong Kong vs Oman; Afghanistan vs Nepal
September 26: Japan vs Nepal; Malaysia vs Oman
September 28: Men’s quarter-finals, including India’s quarter-final
September 29: Remaining quarter-final
October 1: Semi-finals
October 3: Bronze medal match and Gold medal match
Final Update
The Asian Games 2026 cricket schedule on September 24 starts with two men’s T20 matches, but India is not playing today. Afghanistan will face Japan at 5:30 AM IST, followed by Hong Kong vs Malaysia at 10:30 AM IST.
India’s men’s cricket team begins its campaign on September 28 at 10:30 AM IST in the quarter-final against the second-placed team from Group A.
With India entering the competition at the knockout stage, the September 28 quarter-final will be the key date for Indian cricket fans.
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