New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi has now been appointed as the Asian Cricket Council head, and Pakistanis are amused. They are convinced that “Asian Cricket is about to become a Mess like PCB”.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is a cricket governing body founded in 1983 to promote and grow the sport of cricket across Asia. Operating under the International Cricket Council (ICC), it serves as the regional administrative authority for the continent and currently has 30 member associations.
Naqvi takes over from Shammi Silva, the president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), who held the position for just three months after succeeding India’s Jay Shah—now the ICC chairman—in December 2024.
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‘Destroyed Pakistan cricket team’
Naqvi became PCB chairman in early 2024, where he oversaw the renovation of three home stadiums and played a key role in hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 using a hybrid model. However, the Pakistan men’s cricket team has faced massive criticism under him.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal criticised Naqvi on Thursday after Pakistan’s dismal performance in the white-ball series against New Zealand. Following the team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy this year and a 2-0 defeat in the ODI series, Kamran called on Naqvi to resign if he couldn’t improve the team’s condition.
Most Pakistanis agree with Akmal. They have no faith in Naqvi.
“Asian cricket grows, yet Pakistan’s team declines—tri-series flops, Champions Trophy heartbreak, NZ whitewash, and domestic chaos. How can Mohsin Naqvi drive regional progress when PCB can’t even fix its own house? #PakistanCrisis #CricketDecline,” an X user wrote.
Asian cricket grows, yet Pakistan’s team declines—tri-series flops, Champions Trophy heartbreak, NZ whitewash, and domestic chaos. How can Mohsin Naqvi drive regional progress when PCB can’t even fix its own house? #PakistanCrisis #CricketDecline
— لئیق (@itishashmi) April 3, 2025
Others think he was rewarded for playing along with the BCCI and allowing the Indian team to play their matches in the UAE.
“So he got his reward to giving space indian team in ICC champions Trophy to play in Dubai,” wrote reporter Haseeb Khattak.
Some Pakistani fans have other priorities. They want Naqvi to get India banned from playing in tournaments.
“Now ban Indian board for bringing disrepute to the sport,” Rizwan Maqsood wrote on X.
However, analysts think this development can be a good move to strengthen regional unity in the Asian cricket bloc.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board should view this as a strategic opportunity to strengthen unity within the Asian cricket bloc. With Mohsin Naqvi now at the helm of the ACC, the PCB must advocate for the equitable treatment of all Asian cricketing nations, irrespective of their financial standing or geopolitical influence,” Faizan Lakhani, a senior sports journalist in Pakistan, told ThePrint.
Lakhani also thinks Naqvi could leverage his position to promote greater inclusivity in the sport.
“Mohsin Naqvi has come across as an ambitious person who sets high goals, and it is expected that he will use this position to foster greater inclusivity in the sport. This includes expanding opportunities for emerging Asian teams, ensuring fair revenue distribution, and integrating more associate nations into the mainstream cricketing ecosystem. By doing so, the ACC can play an important role in shaping a more balanced and competitive future for cricket in the region,” he added.
Yet, cricket fans remain skeptical.
“Fact reality: He destroyed his own Pakistani team, how he grows Asian Cricket,” wrote Shujat Ali, a concerned fan.
Fact reality: He destroyed his own pakistani team, how he grows Asian Cricket.
— PTI Warrior 🎭 (@ShujatAli142284) April 3, 2025
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)