In the mid-2000s, cricket fans were treated to a unique spectacle as a combined Asian XI took on an Africa XI in a series of international matches. What made this competition particularly intriguing was the sight of fierce rivals India and Pakistan joining forces, with cricketers like MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Akhtar donning the same jersey to represent their respective continents.
The Afro-Asia Cup, as it was known, was held in 2005 and 2007, with the Asia XI comprising players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, while the Africa XI featured cricketers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. In 2005, a three-match ODI series ended in a 1-1 draw, while in 2007, the competition expanded to include a T20I as well, with the Asia XI completing a clean sweep, winning the lone T20I and the ODI series 3-0.
The Demise and Potential Revival
However, due to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, along with broadcasting issues, the Afro-Asia Cup was eventually abandoned. Earlier reports suggested plans were in the works to reboot the competition in a T20 format in 2023, but these efforts did not materialize.
Now, according to a recent report in Forbes, there is a renewed possibility of the Afro-Asia Cup being revived. Former Africa Cricket Association (ACA) chair Sumod Damodar expressed regret at not pushing harder for the competition’s return earlier, but noted that it is “being looked at again.”
“Personally, I am very hurt that it (Afro-Asia Cup) didn’t happen. There was not adequate momentum through the ACA, but it is being looked at again. I think it was basically a lack of understanding and not buying into the concept. Our members are regretting it. It needed to be pushed by Africa,” Damodar told Forbes.
The Potential Lineup
Should the efforts to revive the Afro-Asia Cup come to fruition, fans could be in for a treat. A potential Asian XI could feature the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, alongside Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi.
Damodar is hopeful that the involvement of new ICC chairman Jay Shah and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) head of development Mahinda Vallipuram could provide the necessary momentum to make this dream a reality.
“With Mahinda now on the ICC board and Jay Shah running the ICC, that could bring a bit more momentum to this cause. Both of them have always been proactive in trying to make this happen,” Damodar said.
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A Renewed Opportunity for Unity and Growth
The potential revival of the Afro-Asia Cup represents more than just a cricket tournament. It symbolizes an opportunity for unity and growth in the sport, as cricketers from rival nations come together to showcase their skills and promote the spirit of the game.
Moreover, the competition could have significant implications for the development of cricket in Africa, with the potential to generate revenue and exposure for the sport in the region.
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