Which teams qualified for the Men’s Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament?- IPL

The men’s T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games will feature 10 teams competing for the gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 24 to October 3. Host nation Japan secured automatic qualification, while the five Asian ICC Full Members India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—earned direct entry into the competition.

The remaining four spots were decided through the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket qualifiers held in Singapore during May and June. Eight teams were divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. Nepal, Hong Kong China, Oman, and Malaysia reached the last four and consequently booked their places in the Asian Games.

Nepal entered the qualifiers as one of the favorites and justified that tag with a dominant campaign. After progressing through the group stage and winning their semi-final encounter, Nepal advanced to the final against Hong Kong China. The title clash was played at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on June 8 and produced an exciting contest that was eventually decided by the DLS method.

Asian Games 2026 Qualifiers Finalised

Batting first, Hong Kong China posted a competitive total of 188/7 in their 20 overs. Anshuman Rath led the charge with a brilliant 80 off 45 balls, including six fours and six sixes, while Shahid Wasif smashed 55 from just 28 deliveries. For Nepal, Sher Malla starred with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 32 runs, while Karan KC chipped in with two wickets.

Rain interrupted Nepal’s chase, resulting in a revised DLS target. However, Nepal’s batters remained unfazed. Kushal Bhurtel played a match-winning innings of 65 from 40 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. After his dismissal, captain Rohit Paudel guided the chase with an unbeaten 35 off 24 balls, while Dipendra Singh Airee added a quick cameo. Nepal reached 114/2 in 11.3 overs and finished 19 runs ahead of the DLS par score, securing a 19-run victory and the qualifier title.

Hong Kong, Oman and Malaysia Confirm Asian Games Qualification

Despite losing the final, Hong Kong had already confirmed qualification by reaching the semi-finals. Oman and Malaysia also secured their places by making the last four. As a result, the complete men’s cricket lineup for the Asian Games 2026 is now finalized, featuring a mix of established cricketing nations and emerging associate teams.

The tournament format will see the six seeded teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and hosts Japan—receive direct entry into the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Nepal, Hong Kong China, Oman, and Malaysia will compete in a preliminary round. The two winners from that stage will join the seeded teams in the quarter-finals, after which the competition will follow a straight knockout format leading to the gold medal match on October 3.

India will enter the event as the defending gold medalists, having won the title at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. With a strong squad expected to feature experienced international stars, India will be among the favorites once again. Nepal, meanwhile, will look to carry the momentum from their impressive qualifying campaign and challenge the continent’s elite teams in what promises to be a highly competitive T20 tournament.

Men’s Asian Games 2026 Cricket Teams