New Delhi: The timing of the knockout matches of the men's cricket team in the Asian Games 2026 has been changed. According to the new schedule, the knockout matches to be held in the afternoon will now start 30 minutes before the scheduled time. The matches in Japan which were earlier scheduled to be held at 2 pm, will now be played at 1:30 pm.
However, it is a matter of relief for Indian fans that there has been no change in the timing of the matches of the women's cricket team. The matches of the women's team will be held as per the previously scheduled time.
You will be able to watch the match in India from 10 am
The Indian men's cricket team has got a direct place in the knockout round in the Asian Games. Japan's time is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of India. In such a situation, the match which starts at 1:30 pm in Japan will start at 10 am Indian time.
At the same time, there has been no change in the timing of the matches played in the morning. These matches will start at 9 am in Japan time, that is, fans in India will be able to watch them from 5:30 am.
Time will change from quarter final to final
The new timing of the matches will affect the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches. All these matches will start at 1:30 pm local time in Japan.
However, the information about this change has not yet reached all the concerned officials. According to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), it was not informed about this change. On the other hand, the new timings of the matches have been updated on the official website of the Asian Games.
These four matches will be affected
According to the changed schedule of Asian Games Cricket, the second quarter-final on September 28, the second semi-final on October 1 and the gold medal final match on October 3 will be played at 1:30 pm Japan time.
On the contrary, the first quarter-final, first semi-final and the bronze medal match against Pakistan will take place as per their scheduled time. These matches will start at 9 am Japan time.
Why was the timing of men's knockout matches changed?
There has been no change in the timing of the first round matches. According to sources, early sunset in Japan is the main reason behind holding the knockout matches half an hour earlier.
There is no provision of flood lights to hold matches at night on the grounds where cricket matches are to be played. In such a situation, so that the matches can be completed in daylight, it has been decided to start the afternoon matches 30 minutes earlier.
The 20th Asian Games will be held from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
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