Photo Credit: ESPNcricinfo
The Afro-Asia Cup—a series of white-ball matches between an Asian XI and an African XI—is set for revival, as announced by the Africa Cricket Association (ACA). At its recent AGM, the ACA appointed a six-member interim committee tasked with restructuring the organization and expanding competitive opportunities for African players.
One goal is to collaborate with organizations like the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to explore cross-continental events, including the Afro-Asia Cup. This tournament, previously held only twice (in 2005 in South Africa and in 2007 in India), was scheduled for a third edition in 2009 in Kenya, which did not materialize. Nearly two decades later, the tournament’s revival could offer a unique chance for Indian and Pakistani players—who currently do not compete in bilateral series—to play together on an Asia XI team.
“The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organization, and the appetite is huge from both ends,” said Tavengwa Mukuhlani, interim ACA chair and Zimbabwe Cricket Chair, at a press conference.
“We have had conversations with our counterparts within the Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived.” While the ACC has not confirmed discussions about the Cup’s return, the revival remains of strong interest to the ACA.
Previously, the tournament included notable players such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Sachin Tendulkar. India and Pakistan had regular cricketing ties until the 2008 Mumbai attacks, after which bilateral series largely ceased, with recent matches limited to ICC events.
Additionally, the ACA is planning an “Africa Premier League,” a smaller-scale version of the IPL, as stated by ACA CEO Cassim Suliman. He noted that the project is still in planning and contingent on board approval, with the goal of establishing a new franchise tournament for Africa.
Currently, South Africa’s SA20 is the only franchise tournament on the continent. Mukuhlani expressed hope that South African franchises and Zimbabwean players would participate, enriching competition for teams across Africa.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
