Pakistan strengthens ACC influence as Afghanistan gains presidency eligibility

Under the previous rotation arrangement, the ACC presidency was shared among the four Test-playing boards of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The revised policy now makes the Afghanistan Cricket Board eligible to take its turn in the presidency rotation, marking a significant change in the council’s governance structure.The AGM also unanimously elected United Arab Emirates Cricket Board vice-president Khalid Al Zarooni as ACC vice-president.

The board elections produced another major development, with three Pakistan-backed candidates winning the available ACC director positions.

The panel, backed by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, comprised representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives.

The candidates defeated an India-backed panel in what was described as a closely contested election.Qatar Cricket Association and Singapore Cricket Association presidents were elected to the Executive Board for two-year terms, while Maldives’ Mohamed Faisal and Bahrain Cricket Federation’s Mohamed Mansoor were elected as associate-member representatives.

The sweep was described as a significant achievement for Pakistan and Naqvi, with the outcome indicating growing support for Pakistan within the regional cricket body.

India was represented at the meeting by Rajeev Shukla.

The AGM also reviewed preparations for the 2027 Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram have been proposed as venues for the tournament.

Delegates additionally discussed the ACC budget and arrangements for the Women’s Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in Dubai.ACC President Syed Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the key decisions of the meeting. “Cricket in Asia has always been more than a game; it is a shared language that connects nations, cultures and generations.

The decisions taken at this AGM reflect the maturity of our governance and our collective determination to build institutions that will serve the sport long after we have left these positions,” Naqvi said.

He congratulated Khalid Al Zarooni and the newly elected Executive Board members. “Our responsibility now is to carry this vision forward with humility, discipline and great commitment to the game.

We must work together to strengthen Asian cricket and create a lasting legacy for the players of today and generations of cricketers yet to come,” Naqvi added.