Asian Games: Gold medal to be shared if cricket final is washed out

The gold medal for the men's cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games will be jointly awarded to the final two teams if Saturday's match is cancelled, according to the organising committee. Unlike previous games, the gold medals will not be based on team rankings. Both finalist squads will receive gold medals if the final is cancelled, and the same applies if the bronze medal match is cancelled.

This change was made after rain disrupted cricket at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, causing India, the defending champions, to advance to the semis due to their higher ICC T20I ranking. Weather forecasts for Nagoya through Saturday show no rain, offering some hope for the medal matches. India will face Sri Lanka in the semifinals on Thursday, while Pakistan takes on Bangladesh in the other last-four match later that day. The final is set for October 3 at the Korogi Sports Park.