Which Cricketers Will Attend Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony? Here's the List

The Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 19 in Nagoya, Japan, officially marking the start of the continental sporting event. Although cricket matches have already begun before the ceremony, the event will bring together athletes from across Asia for the formal opening of the Games.

India is one of the best cricket teams in both the men's and women's competitions, and several members of the two squads are expected to be in and around the Indian contingent during the ceremony.

The timing of the ceremony could allow a number of Indian cricketers to be part of the celebrations. The women's cricket team has already begun its campaign, while the men's tournament is scheduled to start later. As a result, players from the men's squad are more likely to have an opportunity to attend.

Which Cricketers Could Attend the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony?

No complete official list of cricketers attending the Asian Games opening ceremony has been released, so the following names are possible attendees rather than a confirmed list. One of the best batsmen in India, Shreyas Iyer, is among the prominent names who could attend the ceremony, with the India men's team captain leading a squad that begins its Asian Games campaign later in the competition.

Other members of the men's squad could also be present at the ceremony. The women's squad also has several high-profile names and some of the best women cricketers who could be involved in the opening-day celebrations. Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, G Kamalini, Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav are among the players representing India at the Games.

However, their availability for the ceremony can depend on India's women's cricket schedule and preparations for their upcoming matches. There was also a late change to India flag bearers, with Pawan Sehrawat stepping in for Tajinderpal Singh Toor as the male flag-bearer, while Manu Bhaker continues to serve as the female flag-bearer.