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The much-anticipated men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2023 is scheduled to commence on September 27, marking a historic moment as India joins the competition for the very first time. With the participation of cricketing giants – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan – the event promises intense cricketing action in the heart of China.
In an intriguing turn of events, due to the overlapping schedule with the ODI World Cup, all full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) have opted to send secondary squads to represent their nations in the Asian Games cricket tournament. This decision has paved the way for an exciting mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, making the competition all the more riveting.
Joining the lineup of cricketing nations are ten other teams: Mongolia, Nepal, Japan, Cambodia, Bahrain, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong. Their presence adds an element of diversity to the tournament, showcasing the growing popularity of cricket across Asia.
The top four teams in the ICC rankings – India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh – have secured direct berths in the quarterfinals, emphasizing their cricketing prowess. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, another cricketing heavyweight, will square off against the spirited Mongolian team in a quarterfinal qualifier.
The remaining nine teams have been divided into three groups of three each, competing in a round-robin format. The group stage will be an intense battle to determine the top team from each group, earning them a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.
Also READ: Ranking the top 5 cricket teams at the Asian Games 2023
As cricket continues to grow in popularity and reach new corners of the globe, the T20I matches at theAsian Games 2023 will add a significant chapter in the sport’s history.
Schedule for Men’s Cricket at the Asian Games 2023:
- September 27: Nepal vs Japan, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- September 27: Hong Kong vs Singapore, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- September 28: Malaysia vs Bahrain, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- September 28: Cambodia vs Japan, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- September 29: Maldives vs Malaysia, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- September 29: Singapore vs Thailand, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- October 1: Afghanistan vs Mongolia, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- October 1: Cambodia vs Nepal, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- October 2: Thailand vs Hong Kong, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- October 2: Bahrain vs Maldives, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- October 3: India vs TBA, Quarterfinal 1, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- October 3: Pakistan vs TBA, Quarterfinal 2, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- October 4: Sri Lanka vs TBA, Quarterfinal 3, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- October 4: Bangladesh vs TBA, Quarterfinal 4, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- October 6: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF4, Semifinal 1, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- October 6: Winner QF2 vs Winner QF3, Semifinal 2, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
- October 7: Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2, Bronze Medal Match, 6:30 am IST/ 1:00 pm GMT/ 9:00 am local
- October 7: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2, Gold Medal Match, 11:30 am IST/ 6:00 am GMT/ 2:00 pm local
Broadcast and live streaming details:
- India: Sony LIV; Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu), Sony Sports Ten 5 (English)
- Australia: SBS on Demand
- China: CCTV
- Singapore: Channel 5 on Meewatch
Also READ: BCCI announces major change in Asian Games squad; star India pacer ruled out due to injury