Photo: Collected
After the recent controversy over the Asia Cup trophy, India’s cricket teams may come under discussion again over receiving medals at the Asian Games 2026.
India are the reigning champions of Asia Cup cricket in both the men’s and women’s categories. However, neither team took the trophy in hand at the official prize-giving ceremony after winning the title. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was present at both ceremonies. The question has arisen as to what will happen if the same thing occurs at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan.
Although the Asia Cup is held under the Asian Cricket Council, the Asian Games are run by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Under OCA rules, the medals are handed over by the OCA president. If he wishes, he can give this responsibility to other OCA members as well as to representatives of the relevant international or Asian federation.
It is not yet certain whether Naqvi will hand over the medals at the Asian Games. The OCA will organise and decide on the prize-giving for the winning team. However, if the responsibility eventually falls on Naqvi, India will again have to face an embarrassing situation.
India have already secured a place in the final of the women’s event. They will take the field in the final against Sri Lanka tomorrow afternoon.
The men’s event will begin on 24 September.
