India are set to begin the title defence of their men’s and women’s cricket gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games from the knockout stages. While the men’s team are one of the four highest-seeded teams alongside
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, they have received a direct entry into the quarterfinals. It is to be noted that they haven’t been given any exemption on the basis of the fact that they are defending champions. On the other hand, there are only eight participating teams in the women’s competition and hence would start directly with the quarterfinals.
In the women’s competition that will begin from September 17 to September 22, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will begin their campaign against Japan on September 18, whereas the other quarterfinals include Pakistan vs Thailand, Sri Lanka vs Malaysia, and Bangladesh vs China. On the other hand, the opponent for the Indian men’s first game is yet to be decided. However, they are set to play their opening fixture on September 28. Notably, cricket will make its fourth appearance at the Asian Games in 2026. The last time it was a part of the tournament was in 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon, and 2023 Hangzhou editions.
When will India face Pakistan at the Asian Games 2026?
Both Indian men’s and women’s teams can face Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Games, but they are not likely to meet them in the early knockout stages. The men’s draw keeps India and Pakistan on the opposite ends of the knockout bracket. It means they cannot lock horns with the arch-rivals in the quarter-finals or semi-finals. This only leaves with one possibility, these both teams can meet only in the gold medal match, considering they progress through their respective knockout fixtures.
Similarly, in the women’s matches, Pakistan are seeded on the opposite end of the knockout bracket. Hence, there is only chance of arch rivals locking horns – the gold medal match. The only requirement is, both India and Pakistan make their way through to the summit clash.
