ACC announces key administrative changes, Khalid Al Zarouni elected as VP

BANGKOK: Pakistan secured a historic victory in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) elections, with a Pakistan-backed panel winning all three available director seats for the first time since the continental body was established, sources said.

UAE’s Khalid Al Zarouni was unanimously elected as the ACC Vice President, with his elevation to the position coming after securing support from member countries, including Pakistan.

Qatar Cricket Association President Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Thani was also elected to the ACC Executive Board. At the same time, Singapore’s Mahmood Ghaznavi joined the board as the representative of non-Test-playing nations.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Faisal and Muhammad Mansoor will represent the board seat on a rotational basis, according to ACC sources.

The ACC has also declared the Afghanistan Cricket Board eligible to assume the council’s presidency, making Afghanistan eligible to hold the top position alongside India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The election result marks the first time that a Pakistan-backed panel has secured all three available director positions since the ACC was established.

The development is being viewed as a significant boost to Pakistan’s influence within the ACC and a notable shift in the balance of support among the council’s member countries.

The election was held during the ACC Annual General Meeting in Bangkok, chaired by ACC Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Asia Cup 2027 venues discussed

The ACC meeting also discussed preparations for the 2027 Men’s Asia Cup, including proposed venues in Bangladesh.

According to the details shared at the meeting, Sylhet, Chattogram and Mirpur were among the venues discussed for the tournament.

The meeting also reviewed plans for the Women’s Asia Cup and considered measures aimed at promoting and developing cricket across the Asian region.

The ACC’s budget and other administrative matters were also discussed during the annual meeting.

The election victory comes at a time when Pakistan has sought to play a more prominent role in the ACC and regional cricket administration.

The three-seat sweep by the Pakistan-backed panel is consequently being seen as an important development for Islamabad’s standing within the continental cricket body.