Cricket fans could witness another high-voltage India vs Pakistan encounter later this year, as both teams are likely to compete at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to send full-strength men’s and women’s squads for the tournament, which will be played in the T20 format.
Cricket will appear at the Asian Games for only the fourth time in 2026, despite the sport’s immense popularity across the continent. It debuted as a medal event at Guangzhou 2010 and returned at Incheon 2014, although those editions did not carry official international status. After being excluded from the Jakarta 2018 Games, cricket made a comeback at Hangzhou 2023, where it received full international recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Separate men’s and women’s T20 competitions have been held in every edition, reflecting the format’s fast-paced appeal and growing global prominence.
India heads into the 2026 edition as the defending double champions, having clinched gold medals in both the men’s and women’s tournaments at Hangzhou 2023. Afghanistan secured silver in the men’s competition, while Sri Lanka finished second in the women’s event. Bangladesh earned bronze in both categories, highlighting the increasing competitiveness among Asian cricketing nations.
Historically, Bangladesh won gold in the men’s event at Guangzhou 2010, while Pakistan’s women topped the podium that year. At Incheon 2014, Sri Lanka claimed men’s gold, and Pakistan’s women once again emerged champions.
A potential India-Pakistan clash would add immense excitement to the Games. Encounters between the two nations are often emotionally charged and fiercely contested, with every over carrying significant weight. Tactical battles during the powerplay, disciplined fielding, and composure in the middle overs frequently decide the outcome in such high-pressure matches.
For India’s women’s team, which has developed a strong T20 core in recent years, and for the men’s side, known for thriving in multi-team knockout tournaments, adapting to Japanese conditions while managing expectations will be crucial.
The 2026 Asian Games also carry added importance due to cricket’s expected return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, more than a century after its last appearance at Paris 1900. As a result, Aichi-Nagoya will not only determine medal winners but also serve as an important stepping stone toward the sport’s Olympic revival.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
