Pakistan-backed candidates defeat India-backed panel in Asian Cricket Council elections

A Pakistan-backed panel has won all three contested seats on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board, defeating candidates supported by India in a closely fought election in Bangkok.

The elections were held during the ACC Annual General Meeting, where representatives from Pakistan- and India-backed panels competed for the three available director positions.

The winning candidates, representing Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives, were backed by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. India was represented at the meeting by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla.

According to media reports, the result marks the first time since the ACC was established that a Pakistan-backed panel has secured all three available board seats. They described the outcome as a significant boost for Naqvi and Pakistan’s influence within the continental cricket body.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the 2027 Asia Cup in Bangladesh, with Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram proposed as venues.

The ACC’s annual budget and arrangements for the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai were also discussed.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and India have been drawn in the same group for the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which will be played in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. All 15 matches, including the final, are scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.