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The Afro-Asia Cup, a white-ball series played between Asia and Africa XI is reportedly set for revival after a 17 years long hiatus. The news was confirmed by the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) after the AGM was held recently. According to the report by ESPNcricinfo, a six-person committee was set up during the AGM that would look into the restructuring of the tournament as they eye to increase the number of games.
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Interim Chair of the ACA, who is also the Zimbabwe Cricket Chair also opened up on this development adding," The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organisation, and the appetite is huge from both ends."
“Mini version of the IPL” on its way: ACA CEO
As the ACA explores cross-continental opportunities with its Afro-Asia Cup, it is set to bring the Indian and Pakistan cricketers under the same roof, playing for the same team. Ahead of the tournament, the ACA is set to host "mini version of the IPL.” CEO Cassim Suliman said, "We are planning to, after board approval, bring the Africa Premier League. That's what we're busy with at the moment on the sponsorship. Once that comes together, we will go to the board, the board will okay it, and then we will take it from there."
If the Afro-Asia Cup is revived, there is a high chance that fans will get to watch Virat Kohli and Babar Azam playing in the same team among other star cricketers from the neighbouring nations.
Speaking of the tournament, it has been played only twice so far. It was first played in 2005 in South Africa, followed by an edition in 2007 in India. A third edition was scheduled for 2009 in Kenya, but it was never played thereafter. In 2005, the three-match ODI series was shared 1-1 after the final game got washed out due to rain, starring players like Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Shoaib Akhtar. In 2007, the Asia XI won all three matches and saw Mahela Jayawardene, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni be part of the same squad. However, geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan prevented the competition from returning for a second season.
