Mohsin Naqvi may present medals to India amid row

The Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams are anticipated to accept their medals from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, only if the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) tells him to present the medals during the ceremony, as reports have revealed.

India are the current champions of the Asia Cup in men’s and women’s cricket. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side recently got the better of Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the 2026 final, while under Suryakumar Yadav, the men’s side lifted the title in 2025.

Why are Indian players expected to accept medals from Naqvi?

Both Indian sides are contenders for gold medals during the Asian Games, and Naqvi could be present at the ceremony. The decision on who gives them the medals depends on the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

“We are focusing solely on the matches. The teams have to first reach the podium. We will take a call then, taking into account all prevailing factors at that moment.” The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, revealed to the Times of India.

“We will cross the bridge only when we reach it. The focus of the board and cricketers is only on winning the matches. We don’t want to comment on anything else that hasn’t happened yet.” Saikia addressed this in the same interaction.

Article 66 of the OCA Constitution and the Rules states that the medals to the winners of the OCA will be presented by the OCA president, under the ‘Victory and Medals Ceremony’ section.

“No kind of demonstration or commercial, political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted during the victory ceremony of the Games.” Rule 66 also highlights the same.

What's the full story behind the Naqvi-India trophy controversy?

India refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, with the BCCI secretary Devajit noting that the decision was based on the fact that Naqvi was also a senior political figure of Pakistan. It continued for a significant time, with the presentation ceremonies continuing to end without the blue brigade collecting the trophy.

Naqvi retained the trophy, while India celebrated the championship without the physical cup. Naqvi also claimed that he had gone to the podium in his capacity as the ACC president and India hadn’t accepted the trophy from him.

The BCCI also stated that its position had been communicated to the ACC before the final. India wouldn’t participate in the trophy presentation if Naqvi were the person who would hand over the awards.