KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Emirates Cricket Board Vice-Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni has been unanimously elected as Vice President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) following the governing body's Annual General Meeting in Bangkok.
Al Zarooni was elected unopposed to the executive position during the meeting, which gathered representatives from all Asian Cricket Council member nations on August 22.
The session covered key administrative matters, including elections to the executive board, the presidency rotation policy, and the formation of secondary committees. His appointment reflects the UAE's expanding influence within regional and international cricket governance.
Since assuming the role of ECB Vice-Chairman, Al Zarooni has overseen a period of structural development that has seen national men's, women's, and junior teams secure qualification for major International Cricket Council events.
In addition to his administrative role with the national board, Al Zarooni serves as Chairman of the DP World International League T20, the Associate nation's premier domestic tournament.
Established in 2022, the tournament has quickly risen to become one of the top three richest franchise leagues, with a specific focus on offering Associate Member players direct access to elite competition.
The ACC appointment further consolidates the UAE's standing as a leading venue for global sports events. The country regularly hosts high-profile ICC and ACC tournaments, with Dubai International Stadium scheduled to stage the eight-team DP World Women's Asia Cup later this week.
In his new capacity, Al Zarooni will support the council in steering development initiatives and broadening the reach of cricket across the continent.
Another key decision at the meeting was to recognise the candidature of Afghanistan Cricket Board's president to head the ACC in the future.
It reflects the growing stature of Afghanistan based on their team's performances on the field. Afghanistan have adopted UAE and its world-class facilities as home to their bilateral matches with other international teams.