UAE cricket chief takes senior ACC role

Emirates Cricket Board president Khalid Al Zarooni has been unanimously elected vice-president of the Asian Cricket Council after the council’s annual general meeting.

The meeting, held on Saturday, addressed the ACC’s governance structure, including elections to its Executive Board, the rotation policy for the presidency and the formation of several committees.

Afghanistan added to presidency rotation

In a significant governance decision, the ACC approved the Afghanistan Cricket Board as a full member board eligible to assume the council’s presidency. The role has previously rotated among India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The change gives Afghanistan a greater formal role in the leadership of Asian cricket and expands the pool of boards that can eventually hold the ACC’s top office.

Executive Board members confirmed for 2026–28

The ACC also confirmed representatives of non-Test-playing nations and associate members for its 2026–28 Executive Board term.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saoud Al Thani, president of the Qatar Cricket Association, and Mahmood Gaznavi, president of the Singapore Cricket Association, were elected from the non-Test-playing member nations. Mohamed Faisal of the Cricket Board of Maldives and Mohammad Mansoor of the Bahrain Cricket Federation will share the associate-member term.

UAE’s influence continues to grow

Al Zarooni’s appointment reflects the UAE’s expanding influence in Asian cricket administration. During his leadership of the Emirates Cricket Board, the country has developed its men’s, women’s and junior programmes and launched the International League T20, where he serves as chairman.

The UAE also remains a regular host of major ICC and ACC events. Dubai International Stadium is scheduled to stage the eight-team Women’s Asia Cup later this week.