Rain washouts send India and Pakistan to Asian Games semis

India and Pakistan advanced to the men’s cricket semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games after rain washed out both quarterfinals on September 28, leaving neither team to play a ball. Under the tournament’s ranking-based rule, the higher-ranked side advanced when each match was abandoned without a toss. India progressed after its quarterfinal against Afghanistan at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin was called off because rain left the outfield unplayable. Afghanistan’s tournament ended with the washout, while defending champions India moved into the last four. India had entered the knockout stage as the higher-ranked team and received a direct place in the quarterfinals. Pakistan also advanced without taking the field after persistent rain prevented its quarterfinal against Hong Kong from starting. The match was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and Pakistan went through as the higher-ranked side. Hong Kong was eliminated. The reports describe both outcomes as applications of the tournament rule, though they do not include the official regulations or match records. The washouts leave India and Pakistan on opposite sides of the knockout draw, so they cannot meet in the semifinals.