Indian Cricket Team Arrives in Japan for Historic T20I and Asian Games 2026

Arrival of the Indian Cricket Team in Japan

The Indian men's cricket team, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, has arrived in Japan for the Asian Games 2026. The squad touched down at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Sunday, September 20, before heading to Nagoya.

Following their T20I series against Afghanistan, which is also participating in the Asian Games, the Men in Blue's visit to Japan includes a significant one-off T20I match against the host nation on September 22.

Historic T20I Match Against Japan

India and Japan are set to face off in a landmark T20I match at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture on Tuesday. This encounter marks the first-ever international cricket match between the two nations, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

Players Manage Their Own Luggage

Upon their arrival in Japan, the Indian players were seen managing their own luggage after a lengthy journey from India to Nagoya. Due to the absence of porter services at Japanese airports, cricketers like Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Yash Thakur were spotted carrying their own bags and cricket equipment.

A viral video captured the players exiting the airport with their kits and luggage on trolleys. After reaching the bus waiting outside, they loaded their belongings before departing for their hotel in Nagoya, a notable departure from the usual support they receive during overseas tours.

Team India's First Visit to Japan

For many players, this marks their first trip to Japan in their international careers, as they prepare for both the historic T20I against Japan and their campaign in the Asian Games.

India's Asian Games 2026 Schedule

Led by Shreyas Iyer, Team India aims to defend the gold medal they secured in the 2003 edition held in Hangzhou, China. The current squad is eager to replicate that success on Japanese soil.

As defending champions, India will enter the quarterfinals directly, facing the second-placed team from Group A on September 28 at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture. Group A includes Afghanistan, hosts Japan, and Nepal, with the group stage determining which team will challenge the defending champions.

If India wins the quarterfinal, they will advance to the semifinals on October 1, with the final and bronze medal match scheduled for October 3. All matches will take place at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture.