Pakistan has officially assumed the presidency of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), taking over from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as of April 3. This transition comes at a critical juncture for Asian cricket, with Pakistan poised to lead the Council in its mission to expand and promote the sport across the continent.
The ACC, established in 1983, is the governing body for cricket in Asia and plays a crucial role in developing the sport, organizing major tournaments like the Asia Cup, and fostering unity among member countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The presidency transfer from Sri Lanka to Pakistan marks a new chapter in the ACC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cricket’s presence and promote growth throughout Asia.
In a press release, the PCB confirmed: “In accordance with the decision of the Asian Cricket Council, Pakistan has officially taken over the presidency from Sri Lanka Cricket. Effective immediately, Pakistan will lead the council in its mission to promote and expand cricket across the Asian continent,” the PCB statement said.
Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), officially took on the ACC presidency. In his first remarks, Naqvi expressed his pride and commitment to furthering cricket in the region. “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 stated. Naqvi also expressed optimism about the future, saying, “Together, we will unlock new opportunities, foster greater collaboration and take Asian cricket to unprecedented heights.”
The PCB chief also took the opportunity to extend his best wishes to outgoing ACC president, Shammi Silva from Sri Lanka, for his leadership during his tenure.
Looking forward, the next edition of the Men’s Asia Cup in 2025 will be hosted by India in the T20 format. This tournament will serve as a precursor to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India. The 2023 edition of the Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, used a “hybrid model” due to India’s decision to play its matches in Sri Lanka. India, the defending champions, triumphed over Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final, securing their third Asia Cup title in four years.
Under Naqvi’s leadership, Pakistan is determined to drive the ACC’s mission forward, ensuring that cricket in Asia continues to grow and reach new global audiences. With the sport’s expanding influence and the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup, the focus will be on creating more opportunities for collaboration and development within the region.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
