Pakistan-backed candidates have won all three Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board seats, defeating an India-backed panel in a closely contested election held in Bangkok.
The elections were held during the ACC Annual General Meeting in Bangkok to fill three director positions on the ACC Board. The Pakistan- and India-backed panels faced each other in a closely contested election, with the Pakistan-backed candidates emerging victorious.
According to sources, the Pakistan-backed panel, led by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, included representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives. All three candidates secured the available seats.
It is the first time since the ACC’s establishment that a Pakistan-backed panel has won all three board positions. India was represented at the meeting by Rajeev Shukla.
The result is being described as a significant achievement for Naqvi and a reflection of Pakistan’s growing influence within the Asian Cricket Council.
Besides the elections, the ACC’s annual meeting also discussed several other important matters. Preparations for next year’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh were reviewed, with Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram proposed as venues for the tournament.
India and Pakistan have been clubbed together in the same group for this year’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup, scheduled to be played from August 28 to September 13.
This year’s continental tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four.
As per the schedule, the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 will get underway on August 28, with Thailand and Hong Kong, China, locking horns at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which will host all 15 matches of the tournament, including the final on September 13.
