BANGKOK, Thailand: Pakistan-backed candidates won all three director seats on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board in a closely contested election in Bangkok, defeating a panel supported by India.
The election was held during the ACC Annual General Meeting, where three director positions were contested by candidates from different countries.
The winning panel was backed by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. It included representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives, according to media reports.
Pakistan-backed candidates have secured all three Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board seats, defeating an India-backed panel in a closely contested election in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/ohNAWSYiR3
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) August 23, 2026
The three candidates secured all the available seats after a close contest, while the India-backed panel was defeated.
India was represented at the meeting by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla.
The result marks the first time since the establishment of the ACC that a Pakistan-backed panel has won all three available director positions.
The Pakistan-backed panel’s victory is a significant achievement for Naqvi and an indication of Pakistan’s growing influence within the regional cricket governing body.
Sheikh Abdulaziz, president of the Qatar Cricket Association, was among the candidates for a director position and received Pakistan’s backing, according to media reports.
The result strengthens Pakistan-backed representation on the ACC board and gives Islamabad greater influence within the regional cricket body.
The ACC, established in 1983, brings together cricket boards from across Asia and oversees major regional tournaments, including the Asia Cup.
Asian Cricket Council Annual General Meeting
The ACC Annual General Meeting also reviewed preparations for next year’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
ACC President Mohsin Naqvi leads the Asian Cricket Council Annual General Meeting in Bangkok 🏏
The AGM saw the election of the ACC Vice President, along with representatives to the ACC Executive Board for 2026-28 term. The Council also approved key governance measures and… pic.twitter.com/TEPd38u3N0
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 23, 2026
Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram have been proposed as venues for the tournament, according to media reports.
The ACC’s annual budget was also discussed, while members reviewed preparations and arrangements for the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai.
India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group for this year’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be played from August 28 to September 13.
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four.
The Women’s T20 Asia Cup will begin on August 28, when Thailand face Hong Kong, China, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Dubai venue will host all 15 matches of the tournament, including the final on September 13.
