Cricket enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The 2023 Asian Games, set against the vibrant backdrop of Hangzhou, China, are poised to become a grand spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. The event promises an exhilarating showdown as it welcomes both men’s and women’s T20 cricket tournaments onto its illustrious stage. With top-seeded teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh securing direct entries into the quarter-finals, the anticipation for thrilling cricket action is palpable.
A Five-Year Hiatus Ends
Cricket enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that cricket is making a resounding comeback at the Asian Games after a five-year hiatus. While the sport graced the event in 2010 and 2014, it was conspicuously absent in 2018. The revival of cricket at this prestigious sporting event adds an extra layer of excitement, promising a celebration of skill and sportsmanship.
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Asian Games 2023 Men’s Cricket
The men’s T20 cricket tournament is scheduled to commence on September 27, culminating with the gripping bronze and gold medal matches on October 7. This tournament will feature a total of 15 teams, with the top-seeded nations starting their journey from the quarter-finals. The remaining 11 teams will engage in a fiercely contested group stage, with the victors earning their spot alongside the top four teams in the knockout phase.
To add to the intrigue, the men’s T20 cricket tournament boasts a unique structure, combining both group stages and direct entries to the quarter-finals. The participating teams have been thoughtfully categorized into four groups for the initial phase:
- Group A: Afghanistan and Mongolia
- Group B: Cambodia, Japan, and Nepal
- Group C: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand
- Group D: Malaysia, Bahrain, and Maldives
What sets this tournament apart is the direct entry granted to the top-seeded teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh—bypassing the group stages, thereby setting the stage for a showdown of cricketing giants.
Women’s Cricket Tournament
The women’s T20 cricket event, scheduled from September 19 to 25, mirrors its male counterpart in terms of direct entries to the quarter-finals for top-seeded teams. The other participating teams are divided into two groups. Following round-robin matches and a quarter-final qualifier, the top eight teams will compete for glory.
- Group A: Indonesia and Mongolia,
- Group B: Hong Kong and Malaysia.
As in the men’s tournament, top-seeded teams, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, have received direct entry into the quarter-finals, ensuring a high-stakes competition from the get-go.
Live Streaming Details of Asian Games 2023 Cricket
For those eager to witness this cricketing extravaganza unfold, the matches will be available for streaming on Sony Liv. Additionally, fans can tune in to the Sony Sports Network TV channels in India for live telecasts.
Venue and Timings
All matches, encompassing both the men’s and women’s tournaments, will grace the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field. It’s imperative to note that the timings for each match are set to accommodate Indian viewers, ensuring a front-row seat to this thrilling spectacle.
Asian Games 2023 Cricket Schedule for Men
Date | Match | Group/Phase | Time |
September 27, Wednesday | Nepal vs Japan | B | 6:30 AM |
September 27, Wednesday | Hong Kong vs Singapore | C | 11:30 AM |
September 28, Thursday | Malaysia vs Bahrain | D | 6:30 AM |
September 28, Thursday | Japan vs Cambodia | B | 11:30 AM |
September 29, Friday | Maldives vs Malaysia | D | 6:30 AM |
September 29, Friday | Singapore vs Thailand | C | 11:30 AM |
October 1, Sunday | Afghanistan vs Mongolia | A | 6:30 AM |
October 1, Sunday | Cambodia vs Nepal | B | 11:30 AM |
October 2, Monday | Thailand vs Hong Kong | C | 6:30 AM |
October 2, Monday | Bahrain vs Maldives | D | 11:30 AM |
October 3, Tuesday | India (1st ranked team) vs TBD | QF 1 | 6:30 AM |
October 3, Tuesday | Pakistan (2nd ranked team) vs TBD | QF2 | 11:30 AM |
October 4, Wednesday | Sri Lanka (3rd ranked team) vs TBD | QF 3 | 6:30 AM |
October 4, Wednesday | Bangladesh (4th ranked team) vs TBD | QF4 | 11:30 AM |
October 6, Friday | Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 4 | SF1 | 6:30 AM |
October 6, Friday | Winner QF 2 vs Winner QF 3 | SF2 | 11:30 AM |
October 7, Saturday | Loser SF 1 vs Loser SF 2 | 3rd/4th match (Bronze medal) | 6:30 AM |
October 7, Saturday | Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2 | Final (Gold medal) | 11:30 AM |
Asian Games 2023 Cricket Schedule for Women
Date | Match | Group/Phase | Time |
September 19, Tuesday | Indonesia vs Mongolia | A | 6:30 AM |
September 19, Tuesday | Hong Kong vs Malaysia | B | 11:30 AM |
September 20, Wednesday | Loser match 1 vs Loser match 2 | Quarter-final qualifier | 6:30 AM |
September 21, Thursday | India (1st ranked team) vs TBD | QF 1 | 6:30 AM |
September 21, Thursday | Pakistan (2nd ranked team) vs TBD | QF 2 | 11:30 AM |
September 22, Friday | Sri Lanka (3rd ranked team) vs TBD | QF 3 | 6:30 AM |
September 22, Friday | Bangladesh (4th ranked team) vs TBD | QF 4 | 11:30 AM |
September 24, Sunday | Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 4 | SF 1 | 6:30 AM |
September 24, Sunday | Winner QF 2 vs Winner QF 3 | SF 2 | 11:30 AM |
September 25, Monday | Loser SF 1 vs Loser SF 2 | 3rd/4th match (Bronze medal) | 6:30 AM |
September 25, Monday | Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2 | Final (Gold medal) | 11:30 AM |
The 2023 Asian Games is all set to reverberate with the roars of cricket enthusiasts, promising a riveting showcase of talent, strategy, and passion. With top-notch teams ready to clash and the stage set for a cricketing extravaganza, this is an event that no cricket lover can afford to miss. Get ready to cheer for your favourite teams and savour the thrilling moments that await in Hangzhou.