Another unexpected issue at the Asian Games 2026. This time, the unwanted tension has reached the Indian cricket team. Shreyas Iyer’s side is dealing with jersey sizing issues just hours before it departs for the Asian Games in Nagoya.
Some players are still awaiting correctly sized official kits supplied by JSW Inspire, the Indian Olympic Association’s kit partner. Most of the problems have now been resolved after repeated coordination between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the supplier, though a handful of players remain affected.
India cricket team faces unexpected trouble amid Asian Games chaos; what happened?
The squad is scheduled to leave New Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, 20 September 2026. It will play a one-off T20 international against Japan on 22 September wearing its regular team kit, before switching to the official Asian Games jersey for the competition itself. The men’s cricket campaign is due to begin with the quarter-finals on 28 September. An IOA source said, as quoted by PTI:
"There was a sizing issue in kits of cricketers; the majority of them have been rectified. There are a few left, and they will be delivered to the team shortly.”
Further was said:
“With players needing two different jerseys there (one for bilateral and another for Asian Games), this can happen.”
Kit distribution problems have also affected other Indian athletes and not just the cricket team. Shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was replaced as a flag-bearer for the opening ceremony after not receiving his official Games kit in time; kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat will now share the honour with Manu Bhaker.
In addition, the BCCI has arranged separate accommodation in Nagoya for the men’s team because the rooms provided by organisers lack sufficient space for the large cricket kit bags. The women’s team is using standard Indian Olympic Association accommodation.
The delays highlight ongoing logistical challenges as India prepares for the multi-sport event. It has been reported that while the majority of the jerseys with the size issue have been rectified, some of the players are still waiting to get their replacements ahead of their flights to Japan.
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