India’s women face a busy September, with the Asia Cup and the Asian Games arriving almost back to back, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur is aiming to win both.
Asia Cup schedule
The Asia Cup 2026 starts on August 28 at the Dubai International Stadium. India open against Thailand on August 30, then play Hong Kong China on September 3 and Pakistan on September 5 in the group stage. Semi-finals follow on September 10 and 11, and the final is on September 13.
India want to regain the title after Sri Lanka won the 2024 edition. Harmanpreet accepted that expectations are high but said the squad should concentrate on its cricket, its goals and its routines.
Quick turnaround to Japan
Only four days after the Asia Cup final, the Asian Games begin in Japan on September 17. The women’s cricket event runs until September 22, and India will be defending the gold medal they won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
Harmanpreet sees the Games as another big chance, especially as India try to build on their recent success.
Managing the workload
With two major events so close together, squad depth, consistency and the ability to cope with the schedule will matter a great deal. Harmanpreet’s leadership will be central to the team’s attempt to complete the double.
