The Asian Cricket Council has approved plans to establish state-of-the-art high performance centres across the region to strengthen player development in countries that lack modern training facilities.
The decision was taken during a special meeting of the Asian Cricket Council held at its headquarters in Dubai and chaired by ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. Officials said the centres will be developed in phases, with priority given to Asian member nations that do not currently have access to advanced cricketing infrastructure.
Mohsin Naqvi said the initiative will play a vital role in the long-term growth of cricket across Asia. He added that the scope of the ACC’s high performance centres will expand gradually to ensure sustainable development and effective utilisation of resources.
The meeting also reviewed organisational matters and discussed the successful staging of the Asia Cup Under-19 tournament. Participants praised the ACC for making effective arrangements for the event and ensuring smooth conduct.
“The successful conduct of the Asia Cup Under-19 reflects the collective efforts of the ACC team, which deserves appreciation,” Naqvi said during the meeting.
The session was attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam, Afghanistan Cricket Board Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, Emirates Cricket Board General Secretary Mubashir Usmani, ACC official Thushara Perera, along with other senior representatives from member boards.
In a statement, the ACC said the proposed high performance centres will offer modern training facilities, technical expertise and structured development programmes aimed at raising cricketing standards across Asia.
PCB chairman receives rare fan reception in Dubai
In a separate development, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi received an unusually enthusiastic reception from Pakistani supporters at the ICC Academy in Dubai, highlighting his growing popularity among cricket fans.
Naqvi arrived at the venue as Pakistan’s Under-19 team moved closer to victory. Fans positioned nearly two kilometres away recognised him and began chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Mohsin Naqvi Zindabad,” drawing attention across the ground.
Pakistan and India have played international and tournament matches in the United Arab Emirates for nearly four decades, but such a vocal public reception for a cricket board official remains rare in Dubai.
Naqvi responded by walking towards the supporters, greeting fans and shaking hands. He congratulated them on Pakistan’s performance and thanked them for backing the team during difficult phases.
Among Pakistani fans, Naqvi has increasingly become associated with firm leadership, especially after his strong stance during recent disagreements with the Board of Control for Cricket in India over Asia Cup related matters. Supporters view his approach as a defence of Pakistan’s interests as well as the future of Asian cricket.