How PCB Boss Became Asian Cricket Council President Months After Jay Shah Stepped Down Last Year?

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Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has officially taken over as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), marking a significant shift in Asian cricket's leadership.

His appointment, announced today (April 3, 2025), comes months after former ACC president and BCCI secretary Jay Shah stepped down to assume the role of ICC chairman. However, Naqvi's ascension to the ACC's top post was a process that spanned several months and involved multiple developments.

The Transition from Jay Shah's Presidency

Jay Shah served as the ACC president for four years, having initially been elected in August 2020 for a three-year term, which was later extended by another year. During his tenure, Shah played a pivotal role in securing record commercial rights deals for the ACC Asia Cup and revamping the tournament's structure to accommodate emerging cricketing nations. However, with his appointment as ICC chairman, it was anticipated that a new ACC president would be elected.

Early Reports of Naqvi's Appointment

As early as September 2024, reports began circulating that Mohsin Naqvi was set to take over from Jay Shah. Sources at the time indicated that the ACC's rotational leadership policy would result in a Pakistani official assuming the presidency. It was widely expected that Naqvi, who had been elected as PCB chairman in February 2024, would be formally named Shah's successor during an ACC meeting later that year.

In December 2024, however, the ACC announced that Shammi Silva, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), had been appointed as ACC president. Reports suggested that Silva had been given a two-year term, which seemingly contradicted earlier claims about Naqvi's imminent appointment. Silva's leadership was expected to ensure continuity within the ACC following Shah's departure.

The Interim Presidency of Shammi Silva

Despite reports indicating that Silva was to serve a full two-year term, subsequent developments revealed that his appointment was only on an interim basis. This clarification emerged in early 2025 when it was reported that the ACC would hold a General Council meeting to finalise the new leadership structure. Sources confirmed that Silva had been appointed temporarily and that the PCB's nomination for ACC president -- Mohsin Naqvi -- would be formally ratified at this meeting.

On April 2, 2025, a report confirmed that Naqvi was set to take over the ACC presidency later that month. This development coincided with an important ACC meeting in Dubai, which was held after the ICC Champions Trophy final. The meeting also addressed logistical concerns related to the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to be hosted in India with potential matches in Dubai and Sri Lanka.

Upon officially assuming charge on April 3, 2025, Naqvi expressed his commitment to expanding cricket's reach across Asia. He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, particularly Jay Shah, and emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration among ACC member nations.

Furthermore, the ongoing geo-political tensions between India and Pakistan are likely to spice up things in the next two years, with Naqvi holding a strong position in the ACC while Jay Shah leads the ICC.