About 11 thousand athletes from 45 countries of Asia are participating in the Asian Games 2026 being held in Japan. In this Mahakumbh, about 500 member team of India is also presenting its strong claim in different sports. There are strong expectations from the Indian men’s and women’s teams to once again win gold medals in cricket events. However, between these matches, once again a big controversy to India vs Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi seems likely to deepen. The biggest question in the minds of sports lovers is that if the Indian team becomes champion, will it accept the medal from the hands of Mohsin Naqvi?

Background of Asia Cup trophy controversy and tension with Naqvi

It is noteworthy that when the Indian men’s cricket team won the Asia Cup title in September 2025, the team had clearly refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. After this the trophy was sent to the ACC office. The exact same situation was repeated this month when the Indian women’s team won the Asia Cup and Naqvi himself remained adamant on giving the trophy. Indian women players also refused to accept the trophy and that trophy was also returned to the ACC office. Now cricket in the Asian Games is also being organized under the supervision of ACC, due to which there is confusion regarding Naqvi’s presence during the medal ceremony.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia’s statement and OCA’s medal rules

When BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia was asked a question on this sensitive issue, instead of giving any direct answer, he said that at present the entire focus of the board and the players is on reaching the podium and winning medals. Saikia clarified that until such a situation comes to light, it would not be right to comment on it and a final decision would be taken only when the time comes.

Generally, the main authority for distributing medals in the Asian Games rests with the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). However, the OCA President can delegate this responsibility to the heads of the Asian or International Federations of the respective sports. If Naqvi gets this responsibility in the case of cricket, then the situation can become quite complicated. However, if the OCA hands over this responsibility to ICC Chairman Jay Shah or any other independent official, the controversy can be averted.

It will not be easy to deny the medal: Lessons from Sarita Devi case

Any kind of political protest or refusal to accept a medal at international forums like the Asian Games is considered a violation of the strict rules of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Indian boxer Sarita Devi refused to accept her bronze medal in the 2014 Asian Games in protest against an unfair refereeing decision, due to which she was banned for a year. In such a situation, if the Indian cricket team refuses to accept the medal, then the players and the board may face the threat of strict disciplinary action.