Could the controversy surrounding the Women’s Asia Cup trophy presentation be repeated at the 2026 Asian Games? That question has followed India’s women’s cricket team since they began their campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
Earlier this month, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to lift the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai. However, the team did not receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi during the presentation ceremony, mirroring a similar episode involving the Indian men’s team the previous year. The decision had been communicated to the ACC before the final, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Before the presentation ceremony began, the Indian team gathered in a huddle as head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the players. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla were also present. Saikia then spoke to the players and congratulated them on their victory.
Once the official post-match ceremony got underway, Sri Lanka’s players collected their runners-up medals from the dignitaries on stage, including Mohsin Naqvi. However, the Indian players were not seen during the presentation. After Chamari Athapaththu completed her post-match interview, the broadcast returned to the studio without showing any further footage of Team India.
With India once again among the favourites for gold at the Asian Games, attention has turned to what could happen if they reach the podium.
Will Mohsin Naqvi Attend?
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, could theoretically attend the Asian Games in his capacity as ACC president. However, his presence remains uncertain.
According to reports, a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson indicated that Naqvi’s trip to Japan was doubtful, while also noting that his travel schedule had not been finalised. During the Women’s Asia Cup final, Naqvi arrived in Dubai only shortly before the presentation ceremony.
Medal Ceremony Controlled by the OCA
Even if Naqvi travels to Japan, the medal presentation at the Asian Games would not be determined solely by the ACC.
Responsibility for the ceremony lies with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), working alongside the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC). Those organisations will oversee the official protocol for medal presentations.
Japan’s close diplomatic relationship with India may also be a relevant consideration. The two countries are marking 75 years of friendship, while the Games programme has included several high-profile India-related events, including the historic men’s T20I between India and Japan.
BCCI Waiting Until the Situation Arises
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has declined to speculate about any potential medal ceremony.
Following the board’s AGM, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the organisation would deal with the matter only if it became necessary.
“We will cross the bridge only when we reach it.”
He added that the board would assess the prevailing circumstances if India eventually reached the podium.
Meanwhile, an Indian Olympic Association delegation is already in Nagoya, although IOA officials have not commented on whether any discussions have taken place with the OCA, JOC or the local organising committee regarding presentation arrangements.
Focus Remains on Cricket
For now, India’s immediate attention remains on the field as they pursue another Asian Games gold medal.
Although the medal presentation has become a topic of discussion following the events in Dubai, no official confirmation has been made regarding who would present medals should India reach the final.
Until those arrangements are announced, the possibility of another high-profile presentation ceremony will remain a talking point throughout India’s campaign. Recent reports have indicated that Mohsin Naqvi is not expected to take part in the Asian Games cricket medal presentation, though official ceremony details rest with the organisers.
