Bangladesh Cricket Eyes Asian Games Glory in Japan 2026
Bangladesh has unveiled strong men's and women's squads for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, signaling a serious bid for medals. Both teams are poised for deep runs, with the women's team aiming to improve on their 2023 bronze.
Bangladesh is preparing to launch an ambitious challenge at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with both its men's and women's cricket teams featuring formidable squads poised for continental glory. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that the men's side will comprise its leading T20 players, with regular captain Litton Das expected to lead the charge, alongside exciting talents like pace sensation Nahid Rana. As one of the top four seeded nations, the men's team will commence its campaign directly from the quarter-finals in the tournament, which holds renewed significance with cricket's potential pathway to the Olympic Games.
The women's team, led by the experienced Nigar Sultana Joty with Nahida Akter as deputy, features a strong 15-member squad including Dilara Akter, Shorna Akter, and pace spearhead Marufa Akter. Having secured a bronze medal in the 2023 Asian Games by defeating Pakistan, Captain Joty has expressed confidence following their recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup outing and articulated a clear aspiration to reach the final this year. Their journey begins with a quarter-final clash against the People's Republic of China, with a potential semi-final against defending champions India or hosts Japan awaiting the winner.
The T20 cricket events, granted full international status by the ICC, will unfold at Korogi Athletic Park, with the women's competition running from September 17 to 22, and the men's from September 24 to October 3, 2026. India, the reigning champions in both categories, and Pakistan have also named robust squads, setting the stage for intense competition. India's men's team, led by Shreyas Iyer, features stars like Jasprit Bumrah, while Pakistan's men, captained by Sahibzada Farhan, will start their quarter-final against the second-placed team from Group B. This high-stakes tournament underscores the growing importance of cricket in multi-sport events across Asia.