India get favourable draws in Asian Games cricket gold medal defence
New Delhi: India’s hopes of defending both cricket gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games have received a boost after the draw handed the men’s and women’s teams relatively comfortable routes in the tournament.
The defending champions have avoided any early meeting with Pakistan with a potential blockbuster clash between the two neighbours only possible in the later stages. Both Indian teams will now look to make the most of their favourable positions and continue their strong record at the continental event.
India women begin against Japan
The Indian women’s team will start their title defence against hosts Japan in the quarterfinals of the eight-team T20 competition, which will be held from September 17 to 22.
If Harmanpreet Kaur’s side manages to get past Japan, they will face either Bangladesh or China in the semifinals. Pakistan have been placed in the opposite half of the draw along with Thailand while Sri Lanka and Malaysia will compete in the other quarterfinal.
This means an India-Pakistan clash in the women’s tournament can only happen in the final. India will enter the competition with confidence after winning their first-ever Asian Games cricket gold medal in Hangzhou 2023, where they defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final.
Men’s team receive direct quarterfinal entry
The men’s cricket tournament will take place from September 24 to October 1 with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka receiving direct entry into the quarterfinals.
The four teams earned their places due to their position among Asia’s top-ranked T20I sides and will avoid the preliminary stage. Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal will compete in Group A while Hong Kong China, Malaysia and Oman form Group B. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout rounds.
India’s men’s team are also the defending champions after winning gold in Hangzhou. The final against Afghanistan was affected by rain and India were awarded the title based on their higher ranking.
India aim for another double gold celebration
Cricket will once again be played in the T20 format at the Asian Games as the sport continues its preparations ahead of its return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028.
With both Indian teams receiving favourable draws, the focus will now be on delivering strong performances in the knockout stages. If everything goes according to plan, fans could witness two high-profile India-Pakistan contests as both sides fight for Asian Games gold.