Pakistan-backed candidates have secured all three Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board seats, defeating an India-backed panel in a closely contested election held in Bangkok.
The election took place during the ACC Annual General Meeting, where three director positions on the board were up for contest between Pakistan- and India-backed panels.
As per details, the winning panel, backed by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, included representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives.
All three candidates from the panel secured victory after a tightly fought contest, while the India-backed panel lost out on every seat.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla represented India at the meeting.
The result marks the first time since the ACC’s establishment that a Pakistan-backed panel has won all three available board seats. Reports described the outcome as a major achievement for Naqvi and a clear sign of Pakistan’s growing influence within the ACC.
Beyond the elections, the annual general meeting also reviewed preparations for next year’s Asia Cup, which Bangladesh will host, with Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram proposed as venues. The ACC’s annual budget was discussed as well, alongside preparations and arrangements for the Women’s Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Dubai.
India and Pakistan have been drawn into the same group for this year’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which runs from August 28 to September 13. The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four.
As per the schedule, the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 opens on August 28 with Thailand facing Hong Kong, China, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The venue will host all 15 matches of the tournament, including the final on September 13.
