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Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a significant leadership change, marking the end of Jay Shah‘s tenure as its president. Shah, who has been at the helm of the ACC since 2021, took over the role of International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman. As he steps down, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, takes over as ACC president, ushering in a new era for cricket in Asia.
Jay Shah’s legacy: Four years of progress
Shah’s tenure as ACC president has been transformative. Under his leadership, the council achieved substantial milestones, including organizing successful editions of the Asia Cup in both T20 and ODI formats. His visionary approach also enhanced financial stability within the ACC through strategic commercial and broadcast deals. Shah’s efforts were instrumental in promoting cricket across associate nations and grassroots levels, solidifying Asia’s position as a powerhouse in global cricket.
Shah’s leadership also played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among member nations despite political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan. His contributions will be remembered as a cornerstone of ACC’s growth during his four-year term.
The new face of ACC leadership
Mohsin Naqvi officially assumed charge as ACC president on April 3, 2025. As PCB chairman since February 2024 and former Interior Minister of Pakistan, Naqvi brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. His appointment aligns with the ACC’s rotational presidency policy, ensuring representation from different member nations.
In his inaugural statement as ACC president, Naqvi expressed his commitment to accelerating cricket’s growth across Asia. He emphasized fostering greater collaboration among member boards and unlocking new opportunities for the sport. His leadership promises to focus on enhancing the global influence of Asian cricket while addressing challenges such as strained relations between India and Pakistan.
Bridging divides and organizing key events
Naqvi’s tenure as ACC president comes with several pressing challenges. One of the most significant is managing the strained relations between India and Pakistan, which often spill into cricketing affairs. This tension is exemplified by India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, despite Pakistan’s participation in India-hosted events such as the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. As ACC president, Naqvi will need to diplomatically navigate these issues to ensure smooth participation and cooperation from both nations.
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Opportunities under Naqvi’s leadership
While challenges abound, Naqvi’s presidency also presents unique opportunities to elevate Asian cricket. His leadership offers a chance to foster greater regional unity by bridging divides between member nations. By promoting dialogue and collaboration, he can help resolve disputes and strengthen ties within the cricketing community.
Naqvi also has the opportunity to expand ACC’s global influence. With Asia being a dominant force in world cricket, he can leverage this position to secure partnerships and enhance the region’s impact on international cricket. Furthermore, his presidency provides a platform for infrastructure development and grassroots initiatives that can ensure sustained growth for cricket in emerging nations like Nepal and Afghanistan.
