Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 18: Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams may have to accept their medals from Pakistan Cricket Board and Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi if he is asked to present the honours during the medal ceremony at the Asian Games, 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 respective trophy or medals. The issue reportedly stems from Naqvi’s insistence on presenting the silverware, a prospect that the Indian teams have not accepted.

Both Indian teams are among the contenders for gold medals at the Asian Games, and Naqvi could be present at the medal ceremony. The decision on who presents the medals rests with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told The Times of India that the board and players were focused on their matches and would consider the matter if the teams reach the podium.

“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,” Saikia said.

The OCA Constitution and Rules, under Article 66 covering the ‘Victory and Medals Ceremony’, state that medals to winners of the OCA Games shall be presented by the OCA President.

The rule also allows the OCA President to delegate the privilege to other OCA members, accompanied by the president or deputy of the international or Asian federation concerned.

Article 66 further states that demonstrations or commercial, political, religious or racial propaganda are not permitted during the victory ceremony.