India’s BCCI has confirmed that the focus remains on the pitch, not the podium, as the Asian Games cricket final looms. The board’s stance is clear: win the game, then decide about the medals.
Rule 66 of the OCA Manual gives the president the power to delegate medal presentation, possibly to Mohsin Naqvi – Pakistan’s interior minister and ACC chairman. That clause could see Naqvi lift the trophy instead of the OCA president, a move that would echo the Asia Cup trophy controversy.
If Naqvi is hand‑picked, Indian squads could face backlash at home, mirroring the spat that left them refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophies. The drama is not just political; it could sour on‑court chemistry when India meets Pakistan.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia kept his comments tight, saying the board will make a call only after the match, weighing all factors at the moment. His words suggest a cautious, on‑the‑spot strategy.
The stakes are high: a medal presented by Naqvi would be a diplomatic flashpoint, potentially affecting future bilateral sports exchanges. The Indian side’s reaction could set the tone for how the Games are perceived worldwide.
The final showdown is slated for July 22, with India’s fate and the medal presentation hanging in the balance.