Nagoya: The Asian Games cricket tournament is set to commence in Nagoya, Japan, featuring both men's and women's events, with the women's final slated for September 22 and the men's final on October 3. India, the reigning champions in both categories, will look to defend their titles amid fierce competition from other cricketing nations.

According to International Cricket Council, this edition marks the fourth inclusion of cricket in the Asian Games, emphasizing the sport's growing significance across Asia. The tournament will feature a 10-team men's event, divided into two phases, and a straight knockout format for the eight-team women's event. Teams from countries such as Afghanistan, Japan, and Nepal will participate in early group stages, while cricket powerhouses like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh receive byes to the quarterfinals.

Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming, captain of Japan's men's national team, highlighted the event's importance for cricket's development in Japan, emphasizing the potential for increased visibility and growth of the sport. The games will take place at the Nisshin Cricket Ground in Nagoya, which has been praised for its world-class facilities and hybrid pitch, designed to offer bounce and turn.

The tournament will kick off with Japan facing India in the women's opener on September 17. The men's preliminary matches will begin on September 24, with quarterfinals starting on September 28. The events promise to bring significant attention to cricket in the region, with tickets expected to sell out quickly.