Bangladesh Cricket

Asian Games Rain Threatens Semis and Sets Up Awkward Final

Incessant rain at the Asian Games has washed out multiple quarterfinals, raising the possibility of a rain-affected India-Pakistan final decided by rankings.

Cricraze Editor
Asian Games Rain Threatens Semis and Sets Up Awkward Final
The Indian cricket team in action during an ongoing tournament match. Photo: Asian Games / Organisers

For the sixth straight time, a men’s cricket match at the ongoing 2026 Asian Games has been affected by rain. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka and Nepal, and then Bangladesh and Malaysia, never took the field as downpours washed out the third and fourth quarterfinals without a ball being bowled or a toss taking place.

Sri Lanka progressed to the semifinals by virtue of their superior T20I ranking, ending Nepal's campaign without a knockout contest. Bangladesh also advanced by the same rule, while Pakistan reached the final four after their quarterfinal against Hong Kong, China was similarly washed out.

Sri Lanka will now take on defending champions India in the semifinal, while Pakistan will face Bangladesh. However, the weather forecast for Thursday indicates a 60 per cent probability of rain for both scheduled semifinals.

Should the semifinals be washed out, India and Pakistan would progress directly to the final due to their superior T20I rankings in their respective contests. A 40 per cent chance of rain also looms on the morning of the October 3 final.

Unlike the 2022 Asian Games where India won gold after a washed-out final against Afghanistan as the higher-seeded side, the rules for the 2026 edition have changed. If the final is also washed out, India and Pakistan will share the gold medal.

Sharing the gold could lead to an unusual podium ceremony given recent geopolitical tensions between the two neighbouring nations. Since the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year, Indian cricketers have maintained a no-handshake stance against Pakistan.

Furthermore, Indian teams refused to share the podium with, and accept trophies from, Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi during the Asia Cup tournaments. This background could make for an awkward presentation ceremony if both teams are forced to share the top prize.