Bangladesh secure direct knockout berth in Asian Games cricket

Bangladesh have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, securing a direct place in the knockout stage of the men's T20 cricket competition based on international rankings.

The cricket event will be held in Nagoya, Japan, in September, with 10 teams competing in the men's tournament. Bangladesh, alongside India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, has earned automatic qualification for the knockout phase, avoiding the opening round.

The remaining six teams—Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal and Oman—will battle through the preliminary stage. They have been divided into two groups, with the top two teams progressing to the knockout phase to join the four highest-ranked sides.

In the preliminary round, Group A features Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal, while Group B consists of Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman.

The men's cricket competition will run from September 24 to October 1.

The women's cricket event, featuring eight teams, will begin directly from the quarter-final stage. Bangladesh have been drawn against China, while defending champions India will take on Japan. Sri Lanka will face Malaysia, and Pakistan will meet Thailand in the remaining quarter-finals.

The women's tournament is scheduled to be held from September 17 to 22.

Bangladesh's men's team heads into the Games aiming to improve on its performance at the 2023 Asian Games, where the Tigers claimed the bronze medal. With a direct passage to the knockout stage this time, Bangladesh will hope to strengthen its medal prospects in Nagoya.