Afro-Asia Cup set for revival after 17 years

The Afro-Asia Cup, a unique cricket tournament featuring players of teams from Asia and Africa, is poised for a revival after nearly two decades. The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) announced plans to reinstate the tournament during its recent Annual General Meeting, where it appointed an interim committee aimed at restructuring the organization and enhancing competitive opportunities for players on the continent. This move has rekindled excitement among cricket fans, especially with the prospect of seeing players from rival nations like India and Pakistan unite in a single team.

A historical perspective

The Afro-Asia Cup was first held in 2005 in South Africa, followed by a second edition in India in 2007. Both tournaments showcased some of the best talents from both continents, with the inaugural series ending in a draw after rain affected the final match. The 2007 edition saw the Asia XI triumph in all three matches, featuring legends like MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Virender Sehwag. The tournament was initially scheduled to continue with a third edition in Kenya in 2009 but was ultimately shelved. Nearly two decades later, discussions surrounding its revival have sparked hope for a new chapter in this cricketing saga.

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Cross-continental collaboration

Tavengwa Mukuhlani, interim chairman of the ACA and Zimbabwe Cricket Chair, emphasized the financial benefits that the Afro-Asia Cup could bring to cricket organizations on both continents.

“The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings much-needed financial input to the organization, and the appetite is huge from both ends,” he stated at a press conference.

The ACA is actively seeking collaboration with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to explore this opportunity further. However, as of now, no formal request has been made to the ACC regarding the tournament’s revival.

A dream team scenario

Should the Afro-Asia Cup be reinstated, it presents an unprecedented opportunity for players like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam to play alongside each other. The ongoing diplomatic tensions have kept India and Pakistan from engaging in bilateral series since 2012-13, making this tournament a rare chance for their fans to witness these iconic players on the same side. The potential inclusion of stars from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka would further enhance the competitiveness of the Asia XI.

Financial implications and future plans of the competition

The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup is not just about cricket; it also holds significant financial implications for both continents. The ACA aims to leverage this tournament as a means to generate revenue and attract sponsorships. In addition to reviving the Afro-Asia Cup, ACA CEO Cassim Suliman has announced plans for an “Africa Premier League,” modeled after India’s IPL. This initiative aims to create a franchise-based league that could provide more competitive opportunities for players across Africa.

As discussions continue regarding logistics and formal proposals to the ACC, anticipation among fans grows. The prospect of witnessing high-stakes matches featuring some of cricket’s biggest names has reignited interest in international cricket across both continents. With strong support from players and fans alike, the revival of the Afro-Asia Cup could mark a significant milestone in bridging cultural divides through sport.

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