Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has been elected as the new chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), replacing Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Shammi Silva.

The announcement was made following a virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ACC member nations on Thursday.

Naqvi will serve a two-year term, assuming the presidency with immediate effect.

“Pakistan will lead the Council in its mission to promote and expand cricket across the Asian continent,” the ACC confirmed in a media release.

Naqvi acknowledged the honour in his first statement as ACC president.

“Asia remains the heartbeat of world cricket, and I am committed to working with all member boards to accelerate the game's growth and global influence,” he said.

He also thanked the outgoing leadership, expressing hopes for continued collaboration across the region.

His appointment comes at a critical juncture, with preparations underway for the upcoming Asia Cup in September.

Though initially allocated to India, the tournament will be hosted in a neutral venue due to diplomatic constraints between India and Pakistan that hinder cross-border team travel.

Finalising the host country will be among Naqvi’s first and most pressing responsibilities. The UAE is widely seen as the frontrunner, though Sri Lanka remains a strong contender.

A decision is expected soon, particularly after commercial rights for the event were recently secured.