The 2026 Asian Games will feature women's cricket as one of the highlights, commencing ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for September 19. This year, the competition will see eight teams competing, including hosts Japan and four full-member regional teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, all of whom secured direct entry into the tournament.
To fill the remaining slots, a qualifier was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in May 2023. Six teams participated, and ultimately, Thailand, Malaysia, and China earned their places in the Asian Games, showcasing the growing competitiveness of women's cricket in the region.
The tournament will kick off with Bangladesh facing China in the first quarterfinal match, followed by Pakistan taking on Thailand. The action continues on September 18 with Sri Lanka going up against Malaysia, while India will challenge the hosts, Japan, in the final quarterfinal. These matches will be held at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, with the first match starting at 9 AM local time (5:30 AM IST, 1 AM UK time) and the second match at 2 PM local time (10:30 AM IST, 6 AM UK time).
As the competition progresses, the semifinals are set for Sunday, September 20, leading up to the bronze and gold medal matches on Tuesday, September 22. This structure promises an exciting showcase of talent and skill as teams vie for top honors in women's cricket.
For fans eager to catch the action live, various broadcasters across different countries will provide coverage of the matches. In Japan, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. (TBS) will air the games live. Meanwhile, in India, the Sony Sports Network will broadcast the matches, with live streaming available on SonyLIV, making it accessible for cricket enthusiasts.
In Pakistan, PTV will serve as the official broadcaster for the Asian Games, ensuring fans can follow their teams closely. Bangladeshi viewers can watch their women's team compete against China on Sony Sports 1 HD via Akash Digital TV, with live streaming also available on Akash Go.
Fans in Singapore can tune in to Mediacorp for live telecasts and streaming of the women's cricket matches. In the Republic of Korea, MBC, SBS, and TV Chosun will cover the event, while beIN Sports will handle broadcasting in the Middle East. Malaysian fans can enjoy the matches through Astro, a prominent pay-TV satellite provider and streaming platform, and in Indonesia, TVRI will provide live coverage of the cricket action.
With such a diverse array of broadcasting options, the 2026 Asian Games Women's Cricket Competition is set to attract significant attention, showcasing the growth and popularity of women's cricket on an international stage. As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling matches and the emergence of new cricketing talents.
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