Cricket at the Asian Games enters another chapter in 2026, with India heading into the competition with contrasting storylines in the men’s and women’s events. While Harmanpreet Kaur’s women’s team arrives after a commanding Asia Cup campaign, Shreyas Iyer’s men will be looking to put recent T20I struggles behind them.
Cricket was first introduced at the Asian Games in 2010 and returned in 2014 before being left out of the 2018 edition. The sport made its comeback at the 2023 Asian Games, where India won gold medals in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The 2026 edition will once again see India competing for both titles.
Women’s Team Begins Campaign Against Japan
The Indian women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will face Japan in the quarterfinals.
The women’s competition features four quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals on September 20. The gold-medal match and third-place playoff are scheduled for September 22.
India enter the tournament after winning the Asia Cup in Dubai. Harmanpreet’s side won all five of its matches against Thailand, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Shafali Verma was the leading run-scorer with 236 runs at an average of 47.20, while Deepti Sharma finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets.
Smriti Mandhana and Shree Charani also made significant contributions during the campaign, giving India plenty of momentum heading into the Asian Games.
Iyer’s Men Face A Different Challenge
The Indian men’s team will begin its Asian Games campaign later in September. India, along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have direct entry into the quarterfinals.
The group stage begins on September 24, while India’s first match is scheduled for September 28. The semifinals will take place on October 1, followed by the final and third-place playoff on October 3.
Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian side at the Games.
Recent T20I Results Add Pressure
Iyer’s leadership will be under scrutiny after India’s recent T20I results in the UK.
India suffered defeats against Ireland in Belfast in June before their subsequent T20I engagements in England. The recent results have added pressure on the Indian men’s side ahead of the Asian Games.
The team has, however, been preparing with a full-strength squad. India are currently playing a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi, providing the players with match practice before the Asian Games.
Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out of the Games after suffering a side strain.
India Eye Another Double Gold
India will enter the Asian Games as defending champions in both men’s and women’s cricket following their double-gold performance in 2023.
The women’s team has the added confidence of a recent Asia Cup title, while the men’s side will be seeking a strong response after their recent T20I setbacks.
For Iyer and his team, the Asian Games provide an opportunity to turn recent results around and compete for another gold medal.
With the women’s campaign beginning against Japan and the men’s tournament set to start later in the month, India’s quest to retain both cricket gold medals is underway.
