The Afro-Asia Cup, a thrilling white-ball series played between teams from Asia and Africa, is set for a potential revival, according to the Africa Cricket Association (ACA). This exciting tournament, which was last played in 2007, could make a comeback after almost two decades. The news comes after the ACA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, where a six-person interim committee was appointed to restructure the organization and create more competitive opportunities for African cricketers.
Afro-Asia Cup: A Potential Return After Two Decades
The ACA is exploring opportunities to collaborate with organizations such as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to bring back the Afro-Asia Cup, which has only been played twice in the past – once in South Africa (2005) and again in India (2007). A third edition, scheduled for Kenya in 2009, never materialized, but now it looks like the tournament could return, bringing fresh opportunities for players from both continents.
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Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the interim chair of the ACA, and also the Zimbabwe Cricket chair, expressed his excitement about the prospect of reviving the tournament. “The Afro-Asia Cup not only brings exciting cricket, but it also offers significant financial benefits. Both the African and Asian cricket communities are eager for its return,” Mukuhlani stated at a press conference.
Unique Opportunity For India And Pakistan Players
A potential Afro-Asia Cup revival presents a unique opportunity for players from India and Pakistan—two countries that currently do not engage in bilateral cricket due to strained relations. The tournament could see players from both nations united in the same Asia XI team, offering a rare chance for cricket fans to witness the two rivals play side by side once again.
While ACC representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the tournament’s return, sources confirm that no formal discussions have taken place. However, ACA officials are hopeful that talks will soon progress, especially with increasing support from both African and Asian cricket boards.
Previous Afro-Asia Cup Editions
The Afro-Asia Cup has a rich history. In the 2005 edition, the three-match series was tied 1-1, with a rain-affected final. The 2007 Afro-Asia Cup saw the Asia XI dominate, winning all three matches. Some of the cricket legends featured in these editions included Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar for Asia, while Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan in the Africa XI.
ACA Plans To Launch Africa Premier League
In addition to the Afro-Asia Cup revival, the ACA is planning to launch an exciting new competition: the Africa Premier League (APL). Modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL), the APL will aim to bring top-tier domestic T20 cricket to Africa. The project is still in the early stages, with the ACA’s CEO Cassim Suliman stating that discussions around sponsorship and logistical planning are ongoing. The league is expected to feature franchises, with South Africa and Zimbabwe likely to play central roles.
While South Africa’s SA20 is currently the only major franchise competition in Africa, the ACA hopes that the APL can build on this success and offer an even larger platform for African cricketers. Mukuhlani has already confirmed that Zimbabwe will participate in the league, with hopes for South African franchises to get involved as well.
What’s Next For The Afro-Asia Cup And APL?
Both the Afro-Asia Cup and Africa Premier League represent bold steps towards improving the competitive cricket landscape in Africa and fostering stronger ties between the cricketing nations of Asia and Africa. If successful, these initiatives could bring about a new era for African cricket, giving players from the continent the exposure they need to grow their careers on the global stage.
This exciting new chapter in African and Asian cricket could reshape the future of both continent’s cricketing landscapes, bringing fresh opportunities for players, fans, and sponsors alike. Stay tuned for more updates on these groundbreaking developments.
