In both the men’s and women’s cricket competitions at the Asian Games 2026, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have guaranteed direct entry into the quarterfinals. The four countries won’t have to play any preparatory matches because they are Asia’s ICC Full Members.
Both competitions will take place in the T20 format and have full international status. All games will take place in Nagoya, Japan. After winning the gold medals in both the men’s and women’s divisions when cricket made a comeback to the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023, India enters both competitions as the reigning champions. Shreyas Iyer will captain the Indian men’s team, while Tilak Varma will serve as vice-captain.
Which teams are going to compete in the first round?
For the four remaining quarterfinal slots in the men’s division, six teams will compete in a preliminary group stage. After round-robin matches, the top two teams from each of the two groups—Afghanistan, Japan, and Nepal in Group A and Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Oman in Group B—will advance to the quarterfinals. The dates of the men’s competition are September 24–October 1.
In the women’s draw, which takes place from September 17 to 22, eight teams will compete in a direct knockout format beginning in the quarterfinals. Malaysia finished as runners-up, while Thailand won the event after securing their spots through the qualification. China defeated Nepal in the third-place playoff to secure the last qualification spot.
What is the appearance of the women’s quarterfinal draw?
On July 23, the women’s quarterfinal draw was confirmed. Bangladesh will play China in the quarterfinals, while India will play hosts Japan. Sri Lanka will play Malaysia in the other half of the draw, while Pakistan will play Thailand.
India will play Japan in their first competitive Asian Games match at this level thanks to the matches.
Bangladesh will play China, who qualified through the third-place playoff, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play opponents who advanced through the qualifying tournament.
