Indian Cricket Team schedule changed at Asian Games. Image Credits: AFPIndia's men's cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games is set to look slightly different from what was originally expected, with a last-minute alteration made to the timings of some knockout matches. The change comes ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games, where India have been handed a direct place in the quarter-finals. While the alteration does not affect the overall dates of the matches, it could have an impact on India's preparation and match-day routine. Interestingly, the updated timings have appeared on the official schedule even though the change has not yet been communicated to everyone involved.Asian Games 2026 Match Timings ChangedThe start time of some men's cricket knockout matches at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 has been brought forward by 30 minutes.As per the revised schedule, afternoon men's matches that were initially listed to begin at 2 PM local time will now start at 1:30 PM Japan Standard Time. The change applies specifically to the later stages of the men's competition.India squad's direct entry into the quarter-finals means the alteration directly affects their campaign. The Indian men's team will play the second quarter-final on September 28, with the match now scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM local time, which translates to 10 AM IST.The timing of the second semi-final on October 1 has also been moved to 1:30 PM local time, as has the gold-medal match on October 3.However, the morning fixtures remain unchanged. The first quarter-final, which involves Pakistan, the first semi-final and the bronze-medal match will continue to begin at 9 AM local time, or 5:30 AM IST.There has been no alteration to the preliminary-round fixtures either, while the women's competition will continue with its existing schedule.Also Read- Sri Lanka Squad For Asian Games 2026 Announced; RCB Star IncludedIndian Association Still Unaware Of Changed TimingsDespite the revised timings appearing on the official Asian Games website, the change has seemingly not reached everyone associated with the Indian contingent.Officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have reportedly said they are not aware of the adjustment. This has created an unusual situation where the official schedule reflects one set of timings, while officials involved with the Indian team are yet to receive formal communication about the change.With Japan three hours and 30 minutes ahead of India, Indian viewers will now see the quarter-final beginning at 10 AM IST rather than 10:30 AM, as would have been the case under the original 2 PM local start.Why Have The Asian Games Cricket Timings Been Changed?The adjustment is understood to have been prompted by the early sunset in Japan. The cricket venue does not have floodlights, making daylight an important factor when scheduling the longer men's matches. Since knockout games can potentially extend deep into the afternoon, organisers are understood to have considered an earlier start a safer option.The women's matches have not been affected because their schedule already features 9 AM and 2 PM local starts from the quarter-final stage onwards.India will also have a separate T20I against Japan shortly before the Asian Games cricket tournament. That match, which is not part of the Games, is scheduled for September 22 at Sano International Stadium, with a 1 PM JST start, or 9:30 AM IST.The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will officially begin on September 19 and conclude on October 4, with cricket forming part of the competition during the closing stages of the event.Also Read- Sri Lankan Threats India Women Should Be Worried About In Asia Cup 2026 Final
