The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has approved plans to establish cutting-edge high-performance centres across the continent to boost player development in countries lacking modern training infrastructure, officials announced on Tuesday.
The decision was made during a special ACC meeting at its Dubai headquarters, chaired by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. The centres will be developed in phases, prioritising member nations without access to advanced cricket facilities. Naqvi emphasized that the initiative will be pivotal for the long-term growth of cricket in Asia, with the scope of the centres expected to expand gradually.
The meeting also reviewed organisational matters and praised the successful staging of the Asia Cup Under-19 tournament. “The smooth conduct of the Asia Cup Under-19 is a testament to the collective efforts of the ACC team, which deserves congratulations,” Naqvi said.
Attendees included Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam, Afghanistan Cricket Board Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, Emirates Cricket Board General Secretary Mubashir Usmani, ACC official Thushara Perera, and other senior representatives.
According to the ACC, the new high-performance centres will provide advanced training facilities and technical support, helping to elevate cricketing standards throughout the region.
PCB Chairman Receives Rare Fan Acclaim in Dubai
In a separate development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi received an unusually enthusiastic reception from Pakistani supporters at the ICC Academy in Dubai, highlighting his growing popularity among fans amid recent developments in Asian cricket.
Naqvi arrived at the venue as Pakistan’s Under-19 side neared victory. Fans, positioned nearly two kilometres away, began chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Mohsin Naqvi Zindabad,” drawing attention across the ground—a rare display of public support for a cricket board official in Dubai.
Acknowledging the fans, Naqvi walked toward the crowd, greeted supporters individually, shook hands, congratulated them on Pakistan’s performance, and thanked them for their continued support during challenging times.
Among Pakistani fans, Naqvi is increasingly recognised for his firm leadership, particularly following his decisive stance during disputes with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over Asia Cup-related matters. Many supporters view him as a strong defender of both Pakistan’s and cricket’s interests on the international stage.
