CRICKET POLL

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has been elected as the new chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Naqvi succeeds Shammi Silva, the head of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

The change of the ACC leadership was confirmed through the annual general meeting of the members of the continental body, held virtually on Thursday afternoon. Naqvi will hold the position for two years.

"In accordance with the decision of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Pakistan has officially taken over the presidency from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Effective immediately, Pakistan will lead the Council in its mission to promote and expand cricket across the Asian continent. With Pakistan at the helm, the ACC is poised to further strengthen and expand cricket's presence across Asia, fostering growth and unity within the sport," a media release stated.

The biggest test for Naqvi is holding the Asia Cup, scheduled for September. Originally allotted to India, the Asia Cup will be held in a neutral country, considering the India-Pakistan diplomatic dynamics which is stopping the team from one country travelling to the other.

This decision was taken at the time of selling the media rights for the Asia Cup a couple of months ago. Now Naqvi will have to decide which will be the neutral country that will host the six-team Asia Cup. UAE is the favourite but Sri Lanka is also in the fray.

More to follow