Mohsin Naqvi might not be allowed for Asian Games presentation [Source: AFP]The Asia Cup trophy controversy may not have a repeat at the Asian Games 2026, with the medal ceremony in Nagoya emerging as the latest talking point around Mohsin Naqvi. With India already through to the women’s cricket final, attention has turned towards who could present the medals if the team reaches the podium. Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council president, could technically be involved, but reports suggest Japan is unlikely to allow a repeat of the Dubai episode.Mohsin Naqvi to be away from presenting gold medalsNaqvi is unlikely to present the gold medals to India at the Asian Games 2026, despite being the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The possibility has come under the spotlight after the Indian women’s team, just like the men’s side a year earlier, refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi in Dubai.However, the situation in Japan is expected to be different. India and Japan have recently strengthened their relationship through special measures marking 75 years of friendship. As part of the celebrations, India agreed to play Japan in cricket on September 22.The fixture carries significance beyond a regular cricket match. India are the reigning world champions and ranked No. 1, while Japan are ranked 41st and are an associate nation. The match involved authorities from both countries, along with the BCCI and Japan Cricket Association.Also Read- BCCI Had Already Informed Mohsin Naqvi About Not Taking Trophy After India's Win- ReportAn ACC member, as per Cricbuzz, believes Japan will be mindful of India's gesture and will not allow an uncomfortable situation involving Mohsin Naqvi during the medal ceremony.“That is my reading. I think Japan will not allow it. India’s gesture of playing Japan will not go unacknowledged,” said a member of the ACC.The final decision on the chief guest and medal presentation, however, rests with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC) are also expected to have an important say.What is BCCI's take on the possible Mohsin Naqvi fiasco?The BCCI has so far avoided taking a definitive position on the hypothetical situation involving Naqvi. Following the board's AGM, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia refused to speculate on what would happen if India reached the podium and Naqvi was asked to present the medals.Saikia made it clear that the board would wait until the situation actually arises before deciding its course of action.“The teams have to first reach the podium. We will take a call then, taking into account all prevailing factors at that moment. We will cross the bridge only when we reach it,” the BCCI secretary told ToI.An Indian Olympic Association delegation is already in Nagoya, although sources within the IOA have not revealed whether any formal representation has been made to the OCA, JOC or AINAGOC regarding the matter.Mohsin Naqvi might not travel to Japan for Asian Games 2026 FinalThere is another factor that could make the medal-presentation debate irrelevant altogether. Naqvi may not travel to Japan for the Asian Games 2026 Final.According to a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman quoted by Cricbuzz, Naqvi's visit to Japan is currently doubtful. When asked whether Naqvi was expected to travel, the spokesman replied, “I don’t think so.”There is no immediate confirmation of Naqvi's travel plans, and his schedule could still change. The ACC president has previously been known to make last-minute travel decisions, with his arrival in Dubai during the Asia Cup final reportedly coming only around 30 minutes before the match ended.Also Read- Maaz Sadaqat, Sufyan Moqim Script History As Records Tumble In CPL 2026 Final
