Naqvi and the Asian Games: India Must Act Before the Next Trophy Row

India are champions of the Asia Cup in both the men’s and women’s events, yet they do not have the trophies with them. Those remain with Mohsin Naqvi, however bizarre that might sound. We know why, and that is not the point of this piece.

The question is whether Naqvi will want to continue with his shenanigans at the Asian Games, using his position as ACC President, which runs until April 2027. Can he insist on presenting the gold medal in either the women’s or men’s event? And if such a situation arises, what can India do to stop him?

Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary, is already on record saying that India have serious reservations about receiving the trophy from Naqvi. By extension, that position could apply to the Asian Games as well. India are firm favourites to win gold again and Naqvi, knowing full well that his own teams are not good enough, might want to spoil India’s party by thrusting himself into the spotlight.

At the last Asian Games, Raja Randhir Singh presented the gold medal to India’s winning team. According to convention and protocol, it is the Olympic Council of Asia’s domain to decide who presents the medals and who can accompany the medal presenter. Continental officials are often allowed to join the medal presenter as part of the ceremony.

There is no rule to suggest that Naqvi has to present the medal. That is what the Indians need to use to make sure the OCA is aware of their reservations about this one individual, and that it does everything possible to ensure there is no unnecessary controversy.

For Naqvi, this is an opportunity to take some of the sheen away from a possible Indian gold medal. Instead of the focus being on the achievement, the conversation could centre on the controversy, taking away from the gloss of a hard-earned success.

It is in India’s interest to try to pre-empt such a situation. They need to engage with the OCA and sensitise it to their reservations and the reasons behind them. The last thing anyone wants is an unnecessary spectacle with all of Asia watching, Naqvi posing for the cameras and the Games being overshadowed by their first major controversy.

For a moment, spare a thought for sport in Pakistan. Cricket is arguably at its worst under Naqvi as PCB chairman. The women were bowled out for 55 against India, while the men were no match for England in England. Yet, Naqvi appears more concerned with presenting trophies and standing on the field posing for the cameras.

The question to ask is this: Is Naqvi remotely concerned about Pakistan cricket? Does it hurt him that his teams, both men’s and women’s, are struggling? Does it matter that Pakistan are bottom of the World Test Championship standings with a dismal points percentage of 4.63, the lowest among all teams?

How is it that Naqvi is not being questioned over performance? And how is it that he is not being held accountable to the Pakistan cricket public?

More than presenting trophies, his priority should be getting Pakistan cricket back on track. At the moment, that seems a distant possibility.

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