Asian Games 2026 Cricket Draw Announced: India, Pakistan among four teams to get direct quarter-final spot

The road to another Asian Games gold medal has become clearer for India after the official draw for the men’s and women’s cricket events was announced. Thanks to their top seeding, the Indian men’s team has secured direct entry into the quarter-finals and will now wait to find out their opponents after the qualifying stage.

Cricket will once again be played in the T20 format at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with both the men’s and women’s tournaments expected to feature some of Asia’s strongest teams.

India receive direct quarter-final berth

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have all qualified directly for the men’s quarter-finals based on their seeding.

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The remaining four quarter-final spots will be decided through the qualifying round, where eight teams will battle for a place in the knockout stage.

India are the defending champions after winning the gold medal at the previous edition and will be aiming to retain their title this year.

Afghanistan lead qualifying round

The qualifying stage has been divided into two groups.

Each team will play the other sides in its group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

Afghanistan, who finished with the silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games, will be among the favourites to qualify.

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Women’s quarter-final fixtures announced

Unlike the men’s competition, the women’s cricket event will begin directly from the quarter-final stage with eight teams competing.

Women’s Quarter-finals

• Pakistan vs Thailand
• Sri Lanka vs Malaysia
• Bangladesh vs China
• India vs Japan

The winners will move into the semi-finals, while the losing semi-finalists will contest the bronze medal match before the final.

Complete cricket schedule for Asian Games 2026

All cricket matches will be played at Nisshin Korogi Sports Park in Japan.

• Women’s tournament: September 17 to September 22
• Men’s tournament: September 24 to October 1

India enjoyed a memorable campaign at the previous Asian Games by winning gold medals in both the men’s and women’s cricket competitions. With another strong squad expected this year, both teams will be among the favourites to defend their titles in Aichi-Nagoya.