Credits: X
As the BCCI chairperson Jay Shah is set to take over his new role of the ICC chairman, the Asia-Afro Cup could be revived which was played after a long gap of 17 years. Notably, the tournament saw cricketers from India and Pakistan playing together in 2005 and 2007. The Afro-Asia Cup was a cricketing tournament played 17 years ago, and had two teams competing in it, Asia XI and Africa XI.
As the name suggests, the Asia XI saw top cricketers from Asia teaming up, whereas, Africa XI featured top players from South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe. The tournament, however, was discontinued in the years that followed, due to the rising political tension between India and Pakistan.
Afro-Asia Cup to be back under Jay Shah’s reign as ICC Chairperson
With Jay Shah officially taking over his new role at the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, there have been reports that the tournament could be revived. The last time this tournament was organised, it followed an ODI format, but if it is revived, it could be held in the T20 format. African Cricket Association President, Samod Damodar opened up about the chances of the tournament taking place.
“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,” as Samod was quoted by Forbes.
He added that the tournament could break-down the barriers there are between nations. Damodar added, “These matches could break down barriers that are there politically. Cricket can help build the bridges rather than burn it up. I don’t personally believe that players are antagonistic against each other, so I’m sure they would be up for it.”
Past editions of Afro-Asia Cup at a glance
The inaugural season of the tournament held in 2005 featured names like Zaheer Khan, Kumar Sangakkara, Ashish Nehra, Virender Sehwag, Shoaib Akhtar and Mahela Jayawardene representing the Asian continent. If the reports about the tournament’s revival are true, stars like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Shaheen Afridi, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah could team up and represent the Asian continent.
Speaking of the 2007 edition, MS Dhoni was also a part of the Asian squad, where he hit an unbeaten 139, which eventually helped the side register a 13-run win. Several media reports have also claimed that the tournament was almost rebooted two years ago but couldn’t be held due to internal politics in the ACA.
