Pakistan, India cricketers likely to play in same team as Afro-Asia Cup talks revived
Thursday, 7 November 2024
The revival of Afro-Asia Cup - a series of white-ball matches between Asia XI and Africa XI - is on the cards, the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) confirmed.
There have been only two editions of the tournament, held in 2005 and 2007 respectively. In 2005, the three-match ODI series was shared 1-1 after a rained-out final game, and in 2007, the Asia XI won all three matches, according to Pakistani TV channel Geo TV.
The third edition was planned to be held in Kenya in 2009 but was ultimately scrapped. However, after nearly two decades, there is a likelihood for the tournament to make its long-awaited return.
During an ACA's annual general meeting, a six-person interim committee was appointed to revamp the organisation and also to increase competitive opportunities for players across the continent.
One of the main objectives of the interim committee is to establish partnerships with cricketing bodies like the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and to explore cross-continental initiatives including the Afro-Asia Cup.
If the tournament gets revamped, cricket fans may get to see cricketers from Pakistan and India featuring in the same team.
Speaking to journalists, ACA Interim chief Tavengwa Mukuhlani highlighted the financial significance of the tournament before sharing that he had discussions with his ACC counterparts and also with the African contingents, who are eager for the revival of the tournament.