Mohsin Naqvi May Exit ACC: Bangladesh Ready to Take Over as Extension Hopes Fade

Mohsin Naqvi's future as president of the ACC is reportedly under discussion as Bangladesh will take over the leadership of the continental cricket body in 2027 with Bangladesh set to take over the leadership of the continental cricket league. Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal is reportedly interested in replacing Naqvi should the ACC presidency follow its longstanding rotation among the Full Member countries.

Naqvi's current term as ACC president will conclude on 2 April 2027. Any extension beyond that date would need support from the ACC Executive Board. According to a new report by Cricbuzz, that support might not be available, as at least three of the five Full Member boards, and possibly four, are expected to oppose an extension.

The ACC Executive Board has representatives from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The presidency is mostly rotated among Full Member countries, and lasts for two years. Bangladesh is next to take the position.

Tamim Iqbal’s name comes into focus. The former Bangladesh captain and current BCB president is said to be interested in taking over the ACC when Bangladesh’s turn comes up. His appointment would be the next step in the rotation if Naqvi is not able to secure the unanimous backing for an extension.

An ACC member also addressed speculation about the organisation's annual general meeting and Naqvi's presidency. The official position cited in the report is that Naqvi's term is tied to the two-year presidency and not the AGM date.

There was speculation that the timing of the ACC's annual meetings could affect the leadership transition. But according to the ACC member, the president’s term is to end in April 2027 regardless of when the next AGM takes place.

The question of extending a president's tenure has precedent in the ACC. Jay Shah remained president for a third year in 2024 when the Executive Board unanimously agreed to his continuation. Sri Lanka, next in the rotation at that time, agreed to defer its turn.

So Naqvi's case is different, as the level of consensus for an extension does not seem to be there. An extension can only be granted if the Executive Board gives a unanimous agreement for the extension, but reports indicate that there is no such unanimity about Naqvi continuing beyond his term.

This could lead to a leadership transition at the ACC in April 2027. If Bangladesh goes its turn, Tamim Iqbal could become the country’s candidate for presidency.

Before that might happen, the ACC has a number of major cricket events on its calendar. One is the Asian Under-19 Women's Championship in December which will be held in Bangladesh. India are the two-time champions heading into the tournament.

The tournament also could bring back new attention to the relationship between the ACC leadership and Indian cricket. Naqvi has been involved in trophy presentations with Indian teams and hence any future India-Bangladesh cricket event under the ACC framework will be closely watched.

But in the present day, the key date is April 2, 2027. Naqvi's term will end on that date, and Bangladesh's position in the ACC's rotational system has it in line for the next presidency. If Naqvi gets an extension, it will depend on who will be on the ACC Executive Board.

With Tamim Iqbal seemingly interested in the role and opposition to an extension believed to be rising among some Full Member boards, the ACC may be on the verge of a leadership change in the next year. Any formal decision, however, will ultimately depend on the governing body’s procedures and the position of its member boards.