The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) today held its ACC board meeting in Dubai to discuss upcoming tournaments, logistics, and administrative planning. Among the key representatives was Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as well as the Asian cricket council president and Rajiv Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Bangladesh Confirmed as Host of Next Asia Cup
One of the most important outcomes of the meeting was the decision to award Bangladesh the hosting rights for the next Asia Cup. According to the reports, the board members agreed that Bangladesh’s facilities, fan following, and experience in organising major tournaments made it a suitable choice. This decision was welcomed by most participants In the ACC board meeting, with official confirmation to come in the next meeting.
Key Agenda Points at the ACC board meeting
- The meeting opened with routine discussions, including:
- A review of the previous ACC board meeting’s outcomes.
- Updates on sponsorship and broadcast deals with Sony.
Financial matters were also discussed, with a detailed presentation on an increased revenue distribution in the ACC board meeting.
Also read: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi refused to take the hospitality box in the India-Pakistan match?
The heated Trophy Exchange Moment at the ACC board meeting
The most talked-about moment of the meeting came during discussions on logistics and protocols. While the topic was administrative which covered issues such as presentation and security of the trophy, it took an interesting turn when Mohsin Naqvi gave a reply to Rajiv Shukla. When asked about handing the Asia cup trophy to India Naqvi said: “If India wants the trophy, ask Surya to pick it from my office.”
The comment, referencing Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who refused to take the trophy from Naqvi after winning the Asia Cup, briefly drew attention around the table.
Shukla’s Calm Response to Naqvi
Rajiv Shukla, without appearing offended at the ACC board meeting, replied in a composed manner, “Naqvi sahab, the winner is always decided on the ground. Whoever performs better there, the trophy will be theirs.” His response brought the ACC board meeting back to cricketing principles, and the meeting went smoothly afterwards.
What’s Next
With reports confirming Bangladesh as the host of the next Asia Cup, preparations are expected to ramp up from next year. Meanwhile, the exchange between Pakistan and India’s representatives offered a small glimpse into the heated rivalry between the two nations and again clarified to us that an India-Pakistan match isn’t only fought in the field, it’s fought in board meetings as well.
