By Saj Sadiq (5th February, 2024)

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Presidency is set to return to Pakistan for the fifth time next year, as a result of a crucial meeting held in Bali, Indonesia which was attended by a delegation from Pakistan led by the acting Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Chief Election Commissioner Shah Khawar, and Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer.

During this meeting, Shah Khawar whilst vociferously expressing his disagreement on a number of issues by raising objections, maintained a consistently positive attitude outlook which was received in a positive light by all attendees.

During the meeting, Shami Silva, President of Sri Lankan cricket, praised Jay Shah's leadership and recommended extending his presidency for another year. In response, Shah using his skills as a lawyer comprehensively addressed the proposal, stating that whilst Pakistan had no objection to it, nevertheless, the Sri Lanka proposal to extend Jay Shah's tenure for a second year should be recorded for the sake of precedence.

It may be noted that there was a delay in sending the minutes of the previous meeting, and PCB COO Salman Naseer had written a letter about this matter without receiving a response. This was also a point raised by Shah Khawar, who pointed out that the minutes of the previous meeting had been sent three days ago, when they should have been sent immediately after the meeting.

One of the important outcomes of this meeting from a Pakistan point of view is that it was decided that a representative from the PCB would assume the presidency of the Asian Cricket Council for a two-year term starting in January of the following year.