Tamim set to become Asian Cricket Council president

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal is reportedly in line to become the next president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), as Mohsin Naqvi’s chances of securing an extension appear slim.

Naqvi’s current term as ACC president is scheduled to end on April 2, 2027. An extension would require near-unanimous support from the ACC Executive Board, which appears difficult under the current circumstances, according to people familiar with the matter.

The ACC Executive Board has five full members — India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Naqvi could seek an extension until the ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM) next year, which is usually held in the final quarter of the year. However, several ACC members have indicated that the timing of the AGM has no direct connection with the president’s tenure.

The ACC president normally serves a two-year term, with the position rotating among the five full members.

Bangladesh is scheduled to take charge for the next term. Tamim, who is also the BCB president, is reportedly interested in leading the regional cricket body and has conveyed his interest to the ACC.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, at least three and possibly four of the five full members could oppose a proposal to extend Naqvi’s tenure.

There is a precedent for extending an ACC president’s term. In 2024, Jay Shah continued as ACC president for a third year. In that case, however, the member countries reportedly reached a consensus.

An ACC member explained that Naqvi’s term ends in April 2027, while Bangladesh is next in line to take charge. There is also an understanding among members that Tamim is interested in the position.

The official said Naqvi could cite the timing of the AGM as an argument for an extension, but the AGM has no direct link to the president’s tenure.

The ACC president serves a two-year term, with the position rotating among the full members. An extension is possible in exceptional circumstances if the Executive Board reaches a unanimous decision. However, such consensus for extending Naqvi’s tenure does not appear to exist at present.

Another issue could come into focus before Naqvi’s term ends — the presentation of the trophy.

Bangladesh is scheduled to host the Asian Under-19 Women’s Championship in December. India are the defending champions and will again be among the leading contenders for the title.

If India win the tournament, attention could once again turn to Naqvi during the trophy presentation. He had sought to present the trophy at the recent Women’s Asia Cup final and last year’s men’s Asia Cup final. On both occasions, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from him.

Whether a similar situation arises at the Under-19 Women’s Championship in Bangladesh will also be closely watched.

Before that, however, the key question is whether Bangladesh will take over as ACC president after Naqvi’s tenure ends.