Big four secure Asian Games knockout spots

Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have secured direct entry into the knockout stage of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026, with eight teams set to compete for the remaining places in the opening round.

The draws and groups for both the men’s and women’s tournaments were announced on Thursday, with cricket returning to the continental multi-sport event in Nagoya, Japan.

The men’s competition will feature 10 teams, with Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal and Oman placed in the preliminary round. Afghanistan and Nepal will compete in Group A alongside Japan, while Group B includes Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, where they will face the four directly qualified sides — Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

All matches will be played in the T20 format, with the men’s tournament scheduled from September 24 to October 1.

The women’s competition, featuring eight teams, will begin directly from the quarter-finals. Defending champions India will face Japan, while Bangladesh will take on China. Sri Lanka have been drawn against Malaysia, and Pakistan will meet Thailand.

The women’s tournament will run from September 17 to 22.

India dominated the cricket events at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, winning gold medals in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The men’s final between India and Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain after Afghanistan had reached 112 for five in 18.2 overs. India were awarded the gold medal as the higher-seeded team under tournament rules.

In the women’s final, India defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs to claim the title. India’s strong performances in the previous edition have made them one of the favourites heading into the 2026 tournament.

Cricket has featured intermittently at the Asian Games, with the sport making its debut in 2010 before returning in 2014 and 2023. The 2026 edition will provide another opportunity for emerging Asian teams to compete against the region’s established cricketing nations.

With major cricket-playing countries receiving direct knockout berths, the opening round is expected to offer Afghanistan and other developing teams a chance to challenge for a place among Asia’s leading sides.