India v Pakistan – will rivals face off at Asian Games 2026?
The Asian Games begin in Japan this weekend with more than 10,000 athletes competing across 43 categories. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will have some of the top athletes in the world competing from September 19 until October 4. Among them will be reigning two-time T20 world champions India, who are favourities to defend their Asian Games gold medals. India won both the men's and women's gold…
The Asian Games commenced in Japan on September 19, featuring over 10,000 athletes across 43 categories. India, the reigning two-time T20 world champions, are favored to secure gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which run until October 4. The Indian team, led by Shreyas Iyer and featuring star players such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Jasprit Bumrah, have selected a full-strength squad.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are also set to compete, with their teams guaranteed a direct passage to the quarter-finals.
The Asian Games present a unique opportunity for India and Pakistan to face each other, despite political tensions that usually prevent bilateral matches. Both nations will field full-strength teams, with Pakistan's lineup led by captain Sahibzada Farhan and Pakistan including players like Saim Ayub and Ali Raza. The Asian Games cricket schedule includes matches on various days, with the quarter-finals scheduled for September 28 and 29.
Hosting the Asian Games has presented logistical challenges, particularly for T20 matches. However, temporary arrangements have been made, and concerns have been addressed thus far. India will kick off preparations for the Games by playing a historic one-off T20 International against Japan on September 22, marking the first time associate member Japan faces an ICC full member.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- India v Pakistan – will rivals face off at Asian Games 2026? thenationalnews.com
- Asian Olympic boss says politicians need to stay out of sport at Nagoya Games brecorder.com
