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With both Indian teams in medal contention, the possibility of Mohsin Naqvi presenting medals has emerged, though the final decision rests with the Olympic Council of Asia.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi (AFP Photo)
The Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams will be expected to accept their medals from Pakistan Cricket Board and Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi if the Olympic Council of Asia asks him to present the medals during the ceremony, according to a report in The Times of India.
India are the reigning Asia Cup champions in both men’s and women’s cricket, but neither team has received its trophy or medals. The impasse stems from Naqvi, who is Pakistan’s interior minister as well, insisting on presenting the silverware, a prospect the Indian teams haven’t accepted.
Both teams are among the contenders for gold medals and Naqvi could be present at the medal ceremony. The decision on who presents the medals rests with the Olympic Council of Asia.
“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,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said while speaking 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 added.
What are the chances of Naqvi being asked to present the medals? Article 66 of the OCA Constitution and Rules, under the section ‘Victory and Medals Ceremony’, states: “Medals to the winners of the OCA Games shall be presented by the OCA President.”
The rule allows the OCA President to delegate the privilege to other OCA members as well, accompanied by the president or deputy of the international or Asian federation concerned.
Rule 66 also states: “No kind of demonstration or commercial, political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted during the victory ceremony of the Games.”
Quick Answers
The Indian teams refused to accept trophies from Mohsin Naqvi because of his political role as Pakistan’s interior minister. This conflict is rooted in severely strained India-Pakistan relations, which worsened following a major terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in April 2025. Additionally, Naqvi previously supported provocative actions by a Pakistani cricketer that mocked Indian military operations, further intensifying the standoff.
September 18, 2026, 11:07 IST
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