India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been handed a direct entry into the men's knockouts of the Asian Games cricket after the draw was announced. Bangladesh will take on China, Sri Lanka clash with Malaysia, and Pakistan play Thailand.

India's men's and women's cricket teams will begin their campaigns directly in the quarterfinals at the Asian Games 2026, with matches scheduled from September 17 to October 1.

India and three other nations have secured direct entry into the 2026 Asian Games cricket knockout stage. Afghanistan, Japan, and Nepal will compete in preliminary rounds for…