The Pakistan-backed panel has defeated the India-backed panel in the elections for three director positions on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Board, marking a significant development in the regional cricket body.
All three candidates supported by Pakistan were successful in the elections held during the ACC Annual General Meeting in Bangkok. The election was contested between panels backed by Pakistan and India, with the Pakistan-supported candidates securing all three available seats after a closely fought contest.
According to sources, the Pakistan-backed panel was led by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi and included representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives. The panel secured victory over the candidates supported by India.
India was represented at the meeting by Rajeev Shukla. The outcome means that, for the first time since the establishment of the Asian Cricket Council, a Pakistan-backed panel has secured all three available director positions.
The result has been described by sources as a major achievement for ACC President Mohsin Naqvi and an indication of Pakistan’s growing influence within the regional cricket organization.
The election took place as part of the ACC’s Annual General Meeting, where representatives also discussed several other matters concerning Asian cricket. In addition to the board elections, preparations for upcoming tournaments and the council’s financial affairs were reviewed.
One of the major issues discussed was preparations for next year’s Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh. Three venues were proposed for the tournament: Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram.
The ACC also discussed its annual budget during the meeting. Financial planning remains an important part of the council’s preparations as it organizes major tournaments and coordinates cricket activities among its member countries.
Preparations for the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai were also reviewed. Officials discussed arrangements and preparations for the tournament, which will provide another major platform for women’s cricket in the region.
The election result is particularly notable because Pakistan and India are the two most influential cricketing nations in the Asian region, and their respective positions can have considerable influence within the ACC.
The victory of the Pakistan-backed panel gives Pakistan greater representation in the ACC’s decision-making structure. It could also strengthen Islamabad’s ability to influence discussions concerning regional tournaments, scheduling and other administrative matters.
The successful candidates were backed not only by Pakistan but also by representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives. Their combined support proved decisive in the closely contested election.
The result is being viewed as an important diplomatic and administrative success for Pakistan within Asian cricket. It demonstrates that Pakistan was able to build sufficient support among other ACC members to secure all three contested positions.
The outcome may also have implications for future discussions involving major Asian cricket events. With Pakistan-backed representatives now holding the three director seats, Pakistan is expected to have a stronger voice in ACC affairs.
However, the ACC’s agenda extends beyond elections. The organization continues to coordinate international cricket competitions, development programs and administrative matters involving its member associations.
The discussions on the Bangladesh-hosted Asia Cup and the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai demonstrate that preparations for major tournaments remain a central priority for the council.
The proposed venues of Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram will be part of the preparations for the next Asia Cup, while further organizational decisions are expected as the tournament approaches.
The annual general meeting therefore combined an important leadership election with discussions on tournaments, finances and future planning.
For Pakistan, the election result represents a notable success. Securing all three contested seats gives the Pakistan-backed panel a strong position within the ACC Board and is being seen as evidence of Pakistan’s increasing influence in Asian cricket administration.
The development also adds another significant chapter to the institutional relationship between Pakistan and other Asian cricket boards, particularly at a time when regional cricket continues to expand and major tournaments attract substantial attention across the continent.
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