As India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams prepare for the upcoming
The prospect of this situation repeating at the Asian Games has prompted discussions regarding protocol and potential disciplinary consequences. While both Indian sides are considered strong favourites to secure gold, the involvement of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) introduces a different set of regulations compared to those governing standard cricket tournaments. Unlike bilateral series or ICC events, the Asian Games operate under strict OCA guidelines, which dictate the conduct of athletes during victory ceremonies.
Navigating OCA Regulations and Potential Penalties
According to Rule 66 of the OCA Manual and Guidelines, the responsibility for presenting medals rests with the OCA president, who holds the authority to delegate this duty to other members. The regulations are explicit regarding the conduct of athletes, stating that any form of demonstration or disrespect shown toward the Games, medals, or authorized representatives is strictly prohibited. Such actions can lead to severe penalties, including the withdrawal of medals, disqualification, or the loss of accreditation.
Top sources within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have indicated that if the OCA officially designates Naqvi to present the medals, Indian athletes would be expected to comply. A refusal to accept the awards under these circumstances would likely be viewed as a breach of protocol, potentially inviting disciplinary action from the governing body. The IOA has clarified that it cannot preemptively request the exclusion of any specific individual from the ceremony, as the selection of presenters remains the sole prerogative of the OCA.
BCCI Stance and Future Preparations
When asked about the board’s position should a similar scenario arise in Japan, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that the primary focus remains on the field of play. Saikia stated that the board is prioritizing the performance of the teams and their journey to the podium, noting that they will address any ceremonial issues only if and when they arise. The BCCI maintains that it does not wish to comment on hypothetical situations, preferring to keep the players focused on the competition.
While the ACC has been heavily involved in the preparations for the Korogi Sports Park venue, the broader inclusion of cricket in the Asian Games has been supported by ICC chairman Jay Shah. As the event approaches, the question of who will be tasked with the medal presentations remains a point of interest. Whether the OCA opts to appoint Naqvi or selects another official will ultimately determine if the Indian squads face a repeat of the logistical and diplomatic challenges encountered during the Asia Cup.
