Team India earn direct entry into quarterfinals of Asian Games 2026

Team India have earned a direct entry into the quarterfinals of the Asian Games 2026, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Oman, Hong Kong, Nepal, Afghanistan, Japan, and Malaysia will battle in the preliminary round to secure their places in the knockout stage.

A total of 10 teams will compete in the men’s tournament for the gold medal. Nepal, Afghanistan, and hosts Japan have been placed in Group A, while Oman, Malaysia, and Hong Kong form Group B in the opening round. The top two teams from each group will advance to face the direct qualifiers. The men’s competition will run from September 24 to October 1.

Meanwhile, the women’s tournament will begin directly with the quarterfinal stage. Pakistan will face Thailand, Sri Lanka will take on Malaysia, Bangladesh will meet China, and defending champions India will clash with Japan. The women’s competition features eight teams and will be played from September 17 to 22.

Asian Games 2026 men's cricket draw

Asian Games 2026 women's quarterfinals line-up

The Men in Blue were awarded the gold medal for being the higher-seeded side at the last edition of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, after the final was washed out due to persistent rain. Ruturaj Gaikwad was the captain of the gold medal-winning squad. Unlike the previous edition, the selectors have picked the first-choice players for the continental event.

Meanwhile, the Women in Blue beat Sri Lanka in the final by 19 runs to bag the gold medal. Batting first, India scored 116 for the loss of seven wickets and restricted their opponents to 97/8 in their 20 overs. The selectors have already announced the squad.