The 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya bring a packed men’s cricket schedule for India, who start directly in the quarter-finals on September 28 at 10 AM IST against the second-placed Group A side. Led by Shreyas Iyer, with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh in a 14-man squad, India’s title defence will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
With the 20th Asian Games opening in Aichi-Nagoya today, September 19, cricket fans have another date to circle on the calendar. The Asian Games 2026 men's cricket full schedule begins on September 24, with India entering the competition directly at the quarter-final stage on September 28 at 10 AM IST against the second-placed team from Group A. The defending champions will be led by Shreyas Iyer, with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among the players in the squad. Here is the complete schedule, squad and where Indian viewers can watch the men's cricket action.
September 28: India vs second-placed team from Group A | 10:00 AM IST | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
October 1: Semi-final, if qualified | 10:00 AM IST | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
October 3: Gold medal match, if qualified | 10:00 AM IST | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
October 3: Bronze medal match, if applicable | 5:30 AM IST | Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
India's opponent for the quarter-final will be confirmed after the preliminary round concludes on September 26. The semi-final and medal matches are subject to qualification.
The squad has changed since the original announcement. Varun Chakaravarthy was ruled out with a side strain, while Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn to join the West Indies ODI squad. Vipraj Nigam replaced Chakaravarthy, leaving a 14-player group.
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vipraj Nigam.
Indian viewers can follow the tournament on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on SonyLIV. SonyLIV is already carrying Asian Games cricket coverage ahead of the men's event. With the opening ceremony in Japan today, the men's cricket competition arrives next week, beginning with the preliminary round before India's title defence starts in the quarter-finals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Men's cricket dates | September 24 to October 3, 2026 |
| India's first match | September 28, Quarter-final vs second-placed Group A team |
| India's quarter-final | September 28 |
| Semi-final | October 1, if qualified |
| Gold medal match | October 3, if qualified |
| Bronze medal match | October 3, if applicable |
| India men's squad | Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vc), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi |
| Format | T20 |
| TV telecast in India | Sony Sports Network |
| Live streaming in India | SonyLIV |
| India's first opponent | To be confirmed after the preliminary round concludes on September 26 |
When does India play its first Asian Games 2026 cricket match?
India begins its men's campaign on September 28 at 10:00 AM IST.
Who is India's captain?
Shreyas Iyer will captain the men's cricket team.
Who will India face in the quarter-final?
India will play the team that finishes second in Group A.
Where can I watch Asian Games 2026 cricket in India?
The matches will be available on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
When is the Asian Games 2026 cricket final?
The men's gold medal match is scheduled for October 3 at 10:00 AM IST.