Asian Games 2026: Cricket knockout timings rescheduled

As the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, approach, several developments have emerged regarding the competition schedule and athlete readiness.

Organizers have rescheduled men’s cricket knockout matches to start 30 minutes earlier, moving afternoon games from 2:00 PM to 1:30 PM local time. This adjustment aims to ensure matches are completed in daylight, as the venues lack floodlights and Japan experiences early sunsets. The change affects the Indian men’s cricket team, whose quarter-final on September 28 will now begin at 10:00 AM IST. While the official website reflects these updates, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) noted they had not yet received formal notification.

In other sports, the Indian hockey teams are preparing in Japan, though the sport faces internal administrative controversy involving a dispute between the President and the Secretary General of Hockey India. Additionally, the Indian contingent faces challenges regarding anti-doping, with several athletes in wrestling, shooting, and athletics recently losing spots due to violations.

India is sending a large delegation of over 500 athletes across 35 sports, with high expectations for performance in athletics, cricket, and hockey.