BANGKOK, 23August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Candidates backed by Pakistan secured all three available seats in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board elections, defeating a panel supported by India at the council’s annual general meeting in Bangkok on Sunday. According to sources, the three Pakistan-backed candidates emerged victorious in a closely contested election for director positions on the ACC board. The panel, led by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, included representatives from Qatar, Singapore and the Maldives. All three candidates won their respective seats, marking the first time since the formation of the ACC that a Pakistan-backed panel has secured all three available positions. India was represented at the meeting by Rajiv Shukla, while the Indian-backed panel contested the election against the Pakistan-supported candidates. Sources described the outcome as a significant achievement for Mohsin Naqvi and an indication of Pakistan’s growing influence within the region’s cricket governing body. The ACC annual general meeting also discussed several important matters related to Asian cricket. Participants reviewed preparations for next year’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh, with Sylhet, Mirpur and Chattogram proposed as venues for the tournament. The council’s annual budget was also discussed during the meeting. Officials further reviewed preparations for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai, including arrangements for hosting the tournament.