Mohsin Naqvi
If Naqvi is officially delegated the responsibility by OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, Indian athletes will be expected to accept their medals, according to OCA regulations and top Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sources. A top IOA source told TOI, “India can’t ask OCA not to nominate Naqvi. India are the reigning Asia Cup champions in both men’s and women’s cricket. But the teams are yet to receive either the trophies or their medals, owing to the insistence of ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, on presenting them, which is not acceptable to the Indian squads. Refusal to do so will be regarded as disrespecting the Games, the OCA and its authorised representative, potentially inviting disciplinary action. TOI asked Indian cricket board ( BCCI ) secretary Devajit Saikia what BCCI’s stance would be at the medals ceremony if a repeat of the Asia Cup happens in Japan. Saikia’s response: “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. So, it will be interesting to see who OCA chooses to hand over the medals if he is also present at the venue. After all, it’s the Asian Games, not an ICC or bilateral tournament. Neither IOA nor BCCI can place such a request before OCA or ask it to choose or exclude a particular person. Such a request cannot be made to OCA pre-emptively. Decisions of this nature can only be taken by OCA after considering the situation as it arises. ” Of course, it is entirely possible that Naqvi may not be asked to present the medals, but a little advance planning may not hurt.