Pakistan, July 25 -- India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka secured direct entry into the men's cricket knockout stage at the 2026 Asian Games after the draw was announced on Thursday. The 10-team men's competition, starting from September 24 in Nagoya, will begin with a preliminary round featuring Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal and Oman competing for the remaining quarter-final berths.

Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal were drawn in Group A, while Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman were placed in Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage to join the four seeded sides.

The women's tournament, scheduled from September 17-22, features eight teams and will begin at the quarter-final stage. Defend...