Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has formally taken over as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), succeeding Sri Lanka’s Shammi Silva. Naqvi, who became PCB chairman in February 2024, now holds one of the most influential positions in Asian cricket at a time when regional dynamics are under close scrutiny—particularly concerning hosting rights and cross-border participation.
In a statement following his appointment, Naqvi expressed gratitude and outlined an ambitious vision for the future of Asian cricket. “Asia remains the heartbeat of world cricket, and I am committed to working with all member boards to accelerate the game’s growth and global influence,” he said. “Together, we will unlock new opportunities, foster greater collaboration, and take Asian cricket to unprecedented heights. I also extend my sincere thanks to the outgoing ACC President for his leadership and contributions to the ACC during his tenure.”
Silva, who served a brief term after stepping in for Jay Shah in December 2024, welcomed the transition. “It has been a privilege to serve as President of the Asian Cricket Council,” Silva said. “The steadfast commitment of our member boards working together has been pivotal in elevating ACC’s stature across the region.” He thanked Shah for his support and conveyed confidence in Naqvi’s “capable leadership.”
For Naqvi, the ACC presidency adds another weighty responsibility to his already packed portfolio. In addition to heading the PCB, he also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. His tenure as PCB chief has already been marked by assertive diplomacy, particularly around the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan had initially pressed hard to host the tournament in its entirety, but with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan, a compromise was eventually struck. The agreement ensures that any India match in a Pakistan-hosted event will be played at a neutral venue—and the same applies to Pakistan matches in India-hosted tournaments.
That precedent will likely influence Naqvi’s first major test as ACC president: the hosting arrangement of the upcoming T20 Asia Cup. India is listed as the official host, but given ongoing political tensions, the PCB is expected to request a change in venue for its matches—a move that echoes the hybrid hosting model employed during the 2023 Asia Cup. Then, under Jay Shah’s presidency, Pakistan hosted the early matches, while the latter stages were played in Sri Lanka due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.
As Naqvi steps into his new role, regional cricket politics, logistical challenges, and the ever-present India-Pakistan bilateral impasse will continue to shape the contours of his presidency. The cricketing fraternity across Asia will now watch closely to see how he navigates these complexities and whether his leadership can indeed steer the ACC towards “unprecedented heights.”
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