Rajeev Shukla's appointment as an Executive Board Member on the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Board comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket’s influence in the region. His inclusion follows Jay Shah’s resignation as ACC president, a position he held for three consecutive terms before being elected unopposed as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman in December 2024. Shah officially assumed his new role on December 1, marking a significant leadership transition in global cricket administration. With his departure from the ACC, the BCCI swiftly moved to appoint Shukla to fill the vacant position, ensuring India's continued presence in the council’s decision-making processes. Additionally, former BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar was named as an Ex-Officio Board Member, further solidifying India's representation in the ACC.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia extended his best wishes to both Shukla and Shelar, acknowledging their vast administrative experience and emphasizing their critical roles in shaping cricket's development across Asia. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket Board chief Shammi Silva has taken over as the new president of the ACC, ushering in a fresh phase of leadership for the governing body of continental cricket. With India continuing to be a dominant force in the sport, Shukla's presence on the ACC Board is expected to play a key role in shaping policy decisions, tournament structures, and commercial agreements.
Shukla, a seasoned cricket administrator and a senior politician has long been an influential figure in Indian cricket. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the BCCI to maintain strong ties with the ACC and ensure that India's interests are well represented. Recently, he traveled to Lahore to witness the Champions Trophy semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa as the BCCI’s official representative. During a press interaction in Lahore, he was questioned about the possibility of resuming bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan. In response, he reiterated the BCCI’s firm stance that any decision on Indo-Pak cricket relations rests with the Indian government. He further clarified that the BCCI's policy has consistently been that bilateral series between the two nations should be hosted on either country's soil rather than at neutral venues. He suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) likely holds a similar position, making any future cricketing engagement between the two countries dependent on diplomatic and political considerations.
The ACC’s immediate focus will be on preparations for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in the UAE in September 2025. This edition will be held in the T20 format, serving as a crucial preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. As an ACC board member, Shukla will play an instrumental role in planning and organizing the tournament, including discussions on logistics, scheduling, and broadcasting rights. His presence in the council ensures that India's influence remains strong in shaping the future of Asian cricket, not only in terms of competitive structures but also in commercial and administrative aspects. The coming months will be pivotal as the ACC navigates key challenges, including scheduling conflicts, the geopolitical landscape, and ensuring a smooth execution of major tournaments under its purview.
