Asian Games 2026: India and Bangladesh announce cricket squads and coaching updates

As preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, intensify, major updates have emerged regarding the Indian and Bangladeshi cricket contingents.

The Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved a 768-member contingent, including 503 athletes. VVS Laxman has been appointed head coach for the men’s cricket team, stepping in for Gautam Gambhir, who will remain with the senior squad for a series against the West Indies. Shreyas Iyer will captain the Indian men’s side, while Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the women’s team. The BCCI is also focusing on the long-term development of 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Bangladesh has announced a 15-member men’s cricket squad for the tournament, with Litton Das named captain and Towhid Hridoy as vice-captain. The squad features several established internationals, including Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh is set to enter the competition directly at the quarter-final stage on September 29.