Tamim Iqbal could replace Naqvi as ACC president next year, Cricbuzz reports

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal is expected to take over as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) next year, with Mohsin Naqvi’s bid for an extension facing opposition from several member boards, Cricbuzz reported.

Naqvi’s current term as ACC president is scheduled to end on April 2, 2027. Any extension would require near-unanimous support from the ACC Executive Board, which comprises India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

According to the report, at least three, and possibly four, of the five Full Members are expected to oppose extending Naqvi’s tenure.

The ACC presidency rotates every two years among its five Full Members, with Bangladesh next in line to assume the position. Tamim is understood to have conveyed his interest in taking charge of the continental body.

There has been speculation that Naqvi could seek an extension until the ACC Annual General Meeting, normally held in the latter part of the year. However, ACC members cited by Cricbuzz said the president’s tenure is not linked to the AGM and that the position normally carries a two-year term.

An extension is not unprecedented. Former ACC president Jay Shah served a third year in 2024 after all members agreed to extend his tenure, while Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to give up its turn in the rotation.

An ACC member told Cricbuzz that there is currently little prospect of similar unanimity over Naqvi’s extension, pointing to recent developments within the continental body.

Meanwhile, Naqvi could have one more opportunity to present a trophy to an Indian team before his term expires. The Asian Under-19 Women’s Championship is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh in December, with India entering the tournament as two-time defending champions.

The possibility has drawn attention following recent trophy-presentation controversies involving Naqvi. At the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai and the men’s Asia Cup last September, Indian players reportedly declined to receive the trophies from him.