The African Cricket Association (ACA) has confirmed that the revival of the Afro-Asian Cup – a series of white-ball matches between an Asia XI and an Africa XI – is on the cards.
Only two editions of the tournament were held in 2005 and 2007 respectively. In 2005, the three-match ODI series was shared 1-1 after a rain-soaked final, and in 2007, the Asia XI won all three matches.
The third edition was scheduled to be held in Kenya in 2009 but was eventually cancelled. However, after nearly two decades, there is potential for the tournament’s long-awaited return.
During the ACA’s Annual General Meeting, a six-person interim committee was appointed to revamp the organization as well as to increase competitive opportunities for players across the continent.
One of the main aims of the interim committee is to establish partnerships with cricketing bodies such as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and explore cross-continental initiatives including the Afro-Asian Cup.
If the tournament is renewed, cricket fans might be able to see cricketers from Pakistan and India playing in the same team.
Speaking to journalists, interim ACA president, Tafenjwa Mokohlane, highlighted the financial importance of the tournament before saying he had held discussions with his counterparts in the ACC as well as with African teams, who are eager to revive the tournament.
“The Afro-Asian Cup, apart from cricket, provides much-needed financial input to the organisation, and the appetite is huge from both parties,” Mokohlane said.
He added: “We have held talks with our counterparts within the Asian Cricket Council, and it is clear that our African teams want to revive the Afro-Asian Cup.”
However, according to ESPN CricinfoACC officials had not responded by the time of publishing the report. The media also reported that no formal application has been submitted to the ACC.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series recently due to political tensions and have only faced each other in International Cricket Council (ICC) and ACC tournaments.