Rajeev Shukla, Ashish Shelar to join Asian Cricket Council as BCCI increases influence ahead of Asia Cup 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strengthened its presence by securing key positions in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. On March 7, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the appointment of Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar to the Asian Cricket Council.

Jay Shah stepped down as the president of the ACC in December 2024 after three consecutive terms. The Indian cricket administrator, who also held the position of BCCI secretary, was elected unopposed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council. He took charge of his new role on December 1, 2024.

Rajeev Shukla, Ashish Shelar to Join Asian Cricket Council

Rajeev Shukla will take over the vacant position left by Shah and will serve as an Executive Board Member. Shukla, who has held multiple roles in Indian cricket, including IPL chairman, will now represent BCCI at the ACC.

Meanwhile, former BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar will represent the BCCI on the ACC Board as an Ex-Officio Board Member. Shelar has experience in cricket administration, having previously served in the Mumbai Cricket Association and as BCCI treasurer.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would like to inform about updates regarding its representation on the Board of Directors of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)," Devjit Saikia said in a media statement.

"With Jay Shah taking over as the Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), his position on the ACC Board became vacant. Till recently, he was President, ACC," added Saikia.

"Rajeev Shukla will represent the BCCI as an Executive Board Member on the ACC Board. Ashish Shelar will be the BCCI representative on the ACC Board as the Ex-Officio Board Member," he added.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia Extends Best Wishes to Rajeev Shukla, Ashish Shelar

Devjit Saikia extended his best wishes to the newly appointed representatives - Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar.

"On behalf of the BCCI Office Bearers and Apex Council, we wish both of them a successful tenure as the ACC works towards promoting, developing and strengthening cricket in Asia," Saikia said.

The latest appointments would play a key role in BCCI's influence in shaping cricket across Asia and strengthening its global leadership in the sport. These changes come before the leadership transition in the ACC. Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi is set to assume the role of ACC president in the upcoming cycle.

ACC Board Prioritizing Asia Cup 2025 Planning

The ACC board's immediate agenda is on organizing the Asia Cup, tentatively scheduled for September 2025 in the T20 format. While the BCCI will remain the official host, the event will be played in a neutral venue due to India-Pakistan relations. Officials are considering Sri Lanka or the UAE as options.

The ACC will host four Asia Cups in the current cycle, ending in 2031. The 2027 edition, featuring 13 ODI matches, will take place in Bangladesh. Notably, the 2029 tournament, featuring 19 T20s, will be hosted at a neutral venue by the PCB. The final edition in 2031, consisting of 13 ODIs, is set to be held in Sri Lanka.

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