Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has officially taken charge as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), succeeding Sri Lanka’s Shammi Silva. Naqvi, who was elected PCB Chairman in February 2024, expressed his deep honor at the appointment.
Commitment to Advancing Asian Cricket
In his first statement as ACC President, Naqvi reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the reach and influence of Asian cricket. “Asia remains the heartbeat of world cricket, and I am dedicated to working alongside all member boards to enhance the game’s growth and global impact,” he stated. He further extended his gratitude to outgoing ACC President Shammi Silva for his contributions to the council.
Leadership Transition in the ACC
Silva, who assumed the ACC presidency in December 2024 following Jay Shah’s resignation to take on the role of ICC Chairman, reflected on his brief tenure. “It has been a privilege to serve as ACC President. The collective efforts of our member boards have been instrumental in elevating the ACC’s stature in the region,” he said. Silva also expressed confidence in Naqvi’s ability to lead the organization effectively.
Balancing Multiple Responsibilities
Naqvi’s new role adds to his growing list of responsibilities. In addition to leading the PCB, he serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. His tenure as PCB Chairman has been marked by strong advocacy for Pakistan’s hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite the BCCI’s reluctance to send its team to Pakistan, an agreement was reached wherein matches involving India in a Pakistan-hosted event would take place at a neutral venue, and vice versa for Pakistan in an India-hosted event.
Key Challenges as ACC President
One of the immediate challenges for Naqvi as ACC President will be determining the venue for the T20 Asia Cup later this year. While India is officially set to host the tournament, the PCB is expected to advocate for an alternate venue for Pakistan’s matches. This follows the precedent set in 2023 when, under Jay Shah’s leadership, the tournament was co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
Naqvi’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these complex issues while striving to strengthen the unity and progress of Asian cricket.