From latest report, the Afro-Asia Cup is set to make a return after almost two decades in hibernation. The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) has announced plans to revive the tournament, which features white-ball matches between an Asian XI and an African XI.
Cricket Reunites Continents: Afro-Asia Cup to Return After 20 Years
This decision was made during the ACA’s Annual General Meeting, where a six-person interim committee was appointed to restructure the association and boost competitive opportunities for players across the continent.
The Afro-Asia Cup, held only twice before—in South Africa in 2005 and in India in 2007—was scheduled for a third edition in Kenya in 2009 but never took place.
Now, nearly twenty years later, the tournament may finally come to fruition again. If it does, it will offer a unique opportunity for players from India and Pakistan, who do not currently play bilateral cricket, to team up in the same squad.
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Zimbabwe Cricket Chair and interim chair of the ACA, stated that “Apart from the cricket, the Afro-Asia Cup brings much-needed money to the organization, and the demand for it is huge from both ends.”
“We have had discussions with our colleagues within the Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asia Cup to be restored.”
Although no formal request has been made to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) yet, and the topic was not discussed at their recent meeting in Malaysia, the enthusiasm for the tournament’s return is palpable.
The 2005 edition saw the series shared 1-1 after a rained-out final game, while the 2007 series was won by the Asia XI, who claimed all three matches.
Historically, the tournament featured notable players such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rahul Dravid, and MS Dhoni, representing the Asia XI, alongside legends from the African XI. The prospect of current stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Rizwan playing together is an exciting one for fans.
Additionally, the ACA is planning to launch the Africa Premier League, a “mini version of the IPL,” aiming to provide more competitive cricketing opportunities on the continent. The league is still in its planning phase, with details on sponsorship and hosting to be finalized.
The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup and the introduction of the Africa Premier League signal a promising future for cricket in Africa and Asia, bringing together talent from across continents and providing thrilling opportunities for players and fans alike.
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