DUBAI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi assumed charge as the president of the Asian Cricket Council on Thursday, succeeding Sri Lanka`s Shammi Silva.

Mohsin`s appointment comes `In accordance with the decision of the ACC`, the PCB said in a press release.

`Pakistan will lead the Council in its mission to promote and expand cricket across the Asian continent,` it added.

Whether Mohsin will be able to take decisive action in the PCB`s favour as the ACC president is yet to be seen, given the board`s weak position even in the Asian cricket bloc.

Since he took charge as the PCB chairman in February last year, Mohsin, who is also Pakistan`s interior minister, oversaw the holding of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

India`s matches of the tournament,however, were played in Dubai, despite prolonged efforts by Mohsin to ensure the whole of the tournament is held within Pakistan.

While a long-term hybrid model was agreed upon for the ICC tournaments, the decision was yet another example of India`s strong influence on the sport, an issue that may fall under Mohsin`s portfolio as the ACC president.

`I am deeply honoured to assume the presidency of the Asian Cricket Council, he said in an ACC statement.

`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.

Meanwhile, the PCB press release said: `With Pakistan at the helm, the ACC is poised to further strengthen and expand cricket`s presence across Asia, fostering growth and unity within the sport.`-Agencies