Afro-Asia Cup to Return after 17 Years? India, Pakistan stars may play together if it Happens

Add as a preferred source on Google

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are often compared to each other by the India and Pakistan supporters.

Although Virat Kohli is miles ahead of Babar Azam in terms of numbers and credentials, it is always a tasty prospect if the two stars play together. Amid the ever-decreasing India and Pakistan encounters, it will be a treat for both sets of supporters if Indian and Pakistani players are on the same team.

As per reports, it indicates that the Afro-Asia Cup may fulfil that wish. The cross-continent tournament might be revived after a 17-year hiatus. The competition first took place in 2005, featuring Africa XI against Asia XI with players like Inzamam ul Haq and Virender Sehwag. The second and last edition occurred in 2007, when Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni had outstanding outings.

Former Africa Cricket Association (ACA) chair Sumod Damodar expressed regret over not pushing harder for the tournament's return earlier. He confirmed that efforts are now underway to bring it back.

"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," Damodar told Forbes.

Afro-Asia Cup to return soon?

Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) began, the Afro-Asia Cup was a dream league for cricket fans who enjoyed seeing their favourite stars play together. According to Forbes, there were plans to revive the tournament in 2023, but these did not materialise. However, current discussions suggest a potential revival soon.

Damodar also mentioned seeking assistance from newly-appointed ICC chairman Jay Shah. He hopes Shah's leadership will help bring back the Afro-Asia Cup.

"With Mahinda now on the ICC board and Jay Shah running the ICC, that could bring a bit more momentum to this cause," Damodar said.

The revival of this tournament could see modern cricket icons like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shaheen Afridi playing on the same team. This prospect will excite fans who have longed for such star-studded line-ups since the last edition in 2007.

Asia-Afro Cup will include players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who will represent Asia. On the other hand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya players can represent the African continent.