India cricket team battles kit shortage ahead of Asiad 2026 departure

India's participation in the 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament faces a logistical hurdle as the national men's team grapples with kit supply issues ahead of its scheduled departure. The delay in receiving playing equipment comes at a critical juncture as the squad finalizes preparations for the continental event.

The timing of the kit shortage presents added pressure given the compressed schedule awaiting the Indian contingent. With the cricket tournament's quarter-final round commencing on September 28, the team will have minimal time to settle in and acclimatize following the conclusion of its T20 international commitments. This narrow window—less than a week—leaves little margin for error in logistics and preparation.

Asian Games cricket has become an increasingly significant fixture in the international calendar, and India's participation carries considerable expectations. The quarter-final format means the team enters the competition at an advanced stage, underscoring the importance of optimal preparation and readiness from the outset.

Team officials are working to resolve the equipment delays to ensure the squad departs with all necessary gear in place. The resolution of these supply chain issues will be crucial for the team to focus entirely on cricket-specific preparation during the crucial pre-tournament phase.