ICC chairman Jay Shah on Saturday, 3 October 2026 congratulated the Indian men's T20 cricket team for clinching the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, after India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in a thrilling final at the Karogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Nagoya. Shah, who was present at the medal ceremony, also lauded the Olympic Council of Asia, participating cricket nations, and Japan Cricket for organising the historic event.

Shah's Tribute to Nagoya and Cricket's Global Reach

In a post on X, Shah wrote: 'Nagoya and Japan have written a proud new chapter in cricket's history. Congratulations to Team India on a campaign worthy of this moment, and heartfelt thanks to every competing nation, to the Olympic Council of Asia and organisers whose vision brought us here, and to the thousands of fans whose presence reminded us why cricket is so special anywhere in the world.'

The remarks reflect a broader push by the ICC under Shah's leadership to expand cricket's geographical footprint, with Japan serving as an unlikely but symbolically significant host for one of the sport's marquee multi-sport events.

How India Won the Gold

Abhishek Sharma set the tone with a breathtaking 61 off 28 balls — the fastest fifty by an Indian batter against Pakistan in T20 Internationals — before Tilak Varma contributed an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls and Shivam Dube added a late flourish. India posted a commanding 211 for 6 in their allotted overs.

In response, Pakistan mounted a spirited chase, fuelled by a magnificent 96 off 51 balls from Hasan Nawaz. The match went down to the wire, but India's spinners — particularly Washington Sundar and Axar Patel — held their nerve. Dube claimed the crucial wicket of Nawaz on the final ball, ending Pakistan's innings at 192 for 6. India celebrated their back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in men's T20 cricket.

Medal Table for Cricket at Asian Games 2026

India took home the gold, Pakistan settled for silver, and Sri Lanka secured the bronze. Shah was present at the ceremony when all three teams received their medals. Notably, the Indian women's team also won gold at the same edition of the Games, beating Sri Lanka in their final — a historic double for Indian cricket.

What This Means for Indian Cricket

India's back-to-back gold in men's T20 cricket at the Asian Games underlines the depth and versatility of a squad that blends experienced campaigners with explosive young talent. The performance of players like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma signals a potent new generation capable of delivering under pressure on the biggest stages. This comes amid the ICC's ongoing efforts to have cricket included in the Olympic Games, making performances at multi-sport events like the Asian Games increasingly significant for the sport's broader narrative.