Afro-Asia Cup Set to Return After Almost Two Decades

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Afro-Asia Cup

The Afro-Asia Cup, a unique cricket series featuring teams from Asia and Africa, is set to make a comeback after almost two decades. The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) has initiated discussions with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and other stakeholders to revive this exciting tournament.

Afro-Asia Cup Details

The Afro-Asia Cup has only been held twice before: in 2005 in South Africa (which ended in a draw) and 2007 in India (won by Asia XI). A third edition was scheduled for 2009 in Kenya, but it never took place. The revival of this tournament is seen as a significant opportunity to bring together players from both continents and provide a platform for competitive cricket.

The ACA interim chair, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, highlighted the financial and cultural benefits of reviving the Afro-Asia Cup. The tournament not only brings exciting cricket but also offers much-needed financial input to the organization. Additionally, it provides a rare chance for players from India and Pakistan to play together, given the current geopolitical constraints on bilateral cricket between the two nations.

The return of the Afro-Asia Cup could have a transformative impact on cricket in both continents. It would offer players from developing cricketing nations a chance to compete against top players from established cricketing powerhouses. The tournament could also help bridge divides and foster unity through the sport.

The ACA is also considering launching the Africa Premier League, a franchise-based T20 competition inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL). This new league aims to provide more competitive opportunities for African cricketers and further enhance the growth of cricket on the continent.

The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup represents a significant step towards expanding the global reach of cricket and providing more opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds. As discussions progress, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if this historic tournament can be successfully revived.

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