Men’s cricket at the Asian Games 2026 runs from September 24 to October 3 in Nagoya, Japan, and India enters as the defending champion and clear favorite. This guide covers every legal way to watch the matches, including free options, plus the full schedule with match timings.
Asian Games 2026 Cricket Schedule and Match Timings
Ten teams compete in a group and knockout format, with the final set for October 3.
Japan, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman and Nepal open the tournament in the group stage, fighting for four quarter-final spots. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh skip straight to the quarter-finals as the highest-ranked Full Member nations, table below lists their opponents as “Group winner” or “Group runner-up” until the group stage settles those spots.
| Date | Match | IST |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 24 (Thu) | Afghanistan vs Japan | 5:30 AM |
| Sep 24 (Thu) | Hong Kong vs Malaysia | 10:30 AM |
| Sep 25 (Fri) | Hong Kong vs Oman | 5:30 AM |
| Sep 25 (Fri) | Afghanistan vs Nepal | 10:30 AM |
| Sep 26 (Sat) | Japan vs Nepal | 5:30 AM |
| Sep 26 (Sat) | Malaysia vs Oman | 10:30 AM |
| Sep 28 (Mon) | Pakistan vs Group B runner-up | 5:30 AM |
| Sep 28 (Mon) | India vs Group A runner-up | 10:00 AM |
| Sep 29 (Tue) | Sri Lanka vs Group A winner | 5:30 AM |
| Sep 29 (Tue) | Bangladesh vs Group B winner | 10:00 AM |
| Oct 1 (Thu) | Semi-final 1 | 5:30 AM |
| Oct 1 (Thu) | Semi-final 2 | 10:00 AM |
| Oct 3 (Sat) | Bronze medal match | 5:30 AM |
| Oct 3 (Sat) | Gold medal match (Final) | 10:00 AM |
How to Watch Cricket at the Asian Games 2026 for Free
Several countries have free-to-air coverage, so you don’t need a paid subscription everywhere.
Singapore’s MeWatch, South Korea’s KBS, MBC and SBS, China’s CCTV5, Vietnam’s VTV and Malaysia’s RTM are all showing the matches free of charge. In India, Sony Sports Network’s DD Sports slot may also carry selected matches involving India, though this depends on broadcast confirmation closer to each game.
Watch Cricket at the Asian Games 2026 in India
India gets the fullest coverage of any country, spanning both TV and streaming.
Sony Sports Network carries every match on TV, and SonyLIV streams the same coverage online. SonyLIV’s mobile-only yearly plan is the cheaper entry point, while its premium yearly plan adds access across devices, including smart TVs. Pakistan viewers have a similar setup, with PTV Sports on TV and PTV Digital for streaming.
Watch Cricket at the Asian Games 2026 in the US and Canada
Willow TV holds the rights across North America and is the one name to look for in both countries.
If Willow TV isn’t part of your existing cable package, Sling TV carries it through the Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex add-ons, starting at $10 a month. This is the same setup in Canada, where Willow TV is available on the same terms.
Can You Watch Cricket at the Asian Games 2026 in the UK or Australia?
Neither country has a confirmed broadcaster for this tournament.
If you’re in the UK or Australia, there’s no local rights holder to turn to yet, so your only route to live coverage is a VPN connected to a country where you already hold a valid subscription.
Watching From Outside Your Home Country
Streaming platforms restrict access based on your location, which locks out fans traveling abroad during the tournament.
A VPN changes your device’s apparent location to your home country, letting you reconnect to the service you’d normally use. This only works for unlocking a service you’re already entitled to in your own country, such as SonyLIV for an Indian traveler or MeWatch for someone based in Singapore, not for accessing a broadcaster you never had access to.
Since you’ll be relying on this connection for live sport, pick a VPN with strong speeds. A slow connection causes buffering during fast passages of play, like a chase in the final overs.
Teams, Format and India’s Squad
Cricket returns for only its fourth appearance at the Asian Games after debuting in 2010, and India goes in as the team to beat.
India fields a full-strength T20 squad led by Shreyas Iyer, including Jasprit Bumrah, even while a separate India side plays an ODI series against the West Indies at home. Bangladesh, captained by Litton Das, is the only other side sending its first-choice players.
Afghanistan has finished runner-up in all three previous editions, while Bangladesh holds one gold and two bronze medals from past Games. All matches are played at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi, a ground with short boundaries of around 65 meters that tends to favor high-scoring innings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asian Games 2026 cricket available for free anywhere?
Yes, but only in specific countries. Everywhere else, you’re looking at a paid TV package or a streaming subscription, so check the free-to-air list above before assuming you need to pay.
Which channel shows the cricket in India?
Sony Sports Network on TV, SonyLIV online. A SonyLIV subscription starts at a mobile-only yearly plan, with a premium tier available for access across devices.
How do I watch if I’m traveling outside my home country during the tournament?
Connect to a VPN server in your home country to unlock the streaming service you normally use there.
Can I watch Asian Games 2026 cricket in the UK or Australia?
Not currently. No broadcaster in either country has secured the rights as of this schedule.
Can I stream the matches on my phone?
Yes, all the major broadcasters listed above offer mobile apps or browser-based streaming alongside their TV coverage.
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