Mohsin Naqvi Appointed as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)

Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has officially taken over as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), succeeding Sri Lanka’s Shammi Silva. Naqvi’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition in Asian cricket and reflects the region’s dynamic cricketing diplomacy. Naqvi, who was elected PCB Chairman in February 2024 and also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, expressed deep gratitude and commitment to enhancing Asian cricket’s global impact.

Key Highlights

New ACC President

• Mohsin Naqvi, also PCB chairman, has been appointed as the new President of the ACC.

Succeeded Shammi Silva

• Took over from Shammi Silva, who had a brief three-month tenure starting December 2024.

Background

• Naqvi became PCB Chairman in February 2024.
• He also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

Vision Statement

• Naqvi pledged to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation in Asian cricket.

Gratitude to Predecessor

• Praised Silva for his contributions and thanked Jay Shah, the former ACC president and now ICC Chair.

ACC Leadership Transition

• Jay Shah stepped down in December 2024 to assume ICC Chairmanship.
• Shammi Silva was appointed but served briefly until Naqvi’s succession.

Challenges Ahead

• T20 Asia Cup 2025 Venue: With India officially hosting, PCB is expected to demand a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches.
• Diplomatic Precedent: During the 2023 Asia Cup, Pakistan hosted with Sri Lanka as a second venue due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.

Champions Trophy 2025 Arrangement

• A hybrid model agreed: India’s matches in a neutral venue; Pakistan’s matches in neutral venue if hosted by India.