India and Pakistan advanced at the 2026 Asian Games after their cricket quarter-finals were washed out. Under tournament rules, the higher-ranked team goes through when no result is possible.

The rule exists because knockout tournaments must produce a winner even when weather intervenes. Seeding or ranking acts as the tiebreaker, rewarding the stronger team across the tournament cycle rather than on the day.

All four quarter-finals were eventually abandoned, meaning none of the last-eight games produced a result. India and Pakistan benefited from their higher rankings, while their opponents went home without a ball bowled.

Critics say the rule is harsh on underdogs and that reserve days should be mandatory. Defenders argue that with packed schedules, there is often no room for replays, and a clear rule beats a coin toss.

Organisers said every effort was made to play. The episode has reignited debate about weather-proofing major tournaments, from covered stadiums to better scheduling.