Cricket returns to the Asian Games in 2026, marking a historic moment for the sport. The last time cricket featured at the Asian Games was in 2023 in Hangzhou, China, where India won the gold medal. Now, in Nagoya, Japan, the sport gets another chance to showcase itself on the multi-sport stage, alongside athletics, swimming, and martial arts.

The Semifinal 1 of the Asian Games cricket competition brings two of Asia’s finest to Korogi Athletic Park on 2026-10-01. A medal is guaranteed for the winners, but both teams will be playing for gold. The semifinal stage is where reputations are made and broken.

Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, has been converted from an existing baseball facility into a purpose-built cricket ground for the 2026 Asian Games. Located east of Nagoya, the 5,000-capacity venue is intended to become a permanent legacy ground for cricket in Japan. The conversion from baseball to cricket reflects the growing interest in the sport across East Asia.

The 09:00 JST start converts to 05:30 IST for Indian viewers, 00:00 GMT for fans in London, and 19:00 EST for the US East Coast. Check Japan time for your local conversion.

Japan’s hosting of cricket at the Asian Games is significant for the sport’s growth in East Asia. Cricket is still a niche sport in Japan, but the Asian Games platform could inspire a new generation of Japanese players and fans. The September timing means pleasant autumn weather in the Nagoya region, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.

The 2026 Asian Games take place across Aichi Prefecture from September 19 to October 4, featuring 47 sports. Cricket’s inclusion alongside Olympic sports like athletics and swimming gives the game visibility that traditional ICC events cannot match. For cricket fans in Asia, the Asian Games represent a unique intersection of national pride and sporting excellence, with athletes competing not for franchise contracts but for their country’s honor on the continental stage.

For timezone conversions, check Japan time.