New Delhi: Fiercest rivals on the field- India and Pakistan have a chance to play together as teammates with the talks of the revival of the Afro-Asia Cup currently underway. The tournament was last played in 2007 post which the tournament was discontinued owing to bitter geo-political problems.
The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup (Africa XI vs Asia XI) is on the cards..!
Lastly, this event was played in 2007, where players from IND, PAK, SL, etc. played for Asia, and players from SA, ZIM, KEN played for Africa.
Via – Forbes. pic.twitter.com/CkUQNcKPjx
— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) September 12, 2024
Now, as the tournament sees a revival after more than a decade, the likelihood of cricket taking the driver’s seat over bitter politics increases. If the tournament goes ahead, Virat Kohli could see himself partnering with Babar Azam.
On the other hand, the pace of Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Shah Afridi could be music to the ears of all the spectators present there. Chairman of the African Cricket Association Samod Damodar has claimed that the tournament is likely to become a reality again.
Imagine an Afro-Asia Cup where Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shaheen Afridi play together as teammates! A dream team uniting India and Pakistan, showcasing pure cricketing brilliance and sportsmanship. What a thrilling sight that would be!🤩 pic.twitter.com/RZm1QN0G9O
— Malak Shah 🇵🇰 (@Malakcricc) September 12, 2024
Damodar recently told Forbes about his innate desire to see the Afro-Asia Cup restart once 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…
What is the Afro-Asia Cup?
The underlying fact in the tournament is a competition between Asia XI and Africa XI. The Asia XI will have a team comprising the best cricketing talents from the subcontinent- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
On the other hand, the African XI will have the best of the talents from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Additionally, Afghanistan and Namibia can also be included having made a profound impact on cricket at the grandest stage.
#OnThisDay back in 2022 against the all odds this written off team won it's sixth asia cup title by beating pakistan in the final for a memorable triumph🏆
In the darkest of nights there emerged a little spark and hope for a tiny nation and it's people🌌
That Night🎉💫 pic.twitter.com/K01XB8X4CT
— Mohamed Azam (@MohamedAzam21) September 11, 2024
When can fans expect the Afro-Asia Cup?
Currently, there is no window of opportunity for the organisers of the game in 2024. Naturally, if and when the organisers decide to go ahead with the tournament, the only logical time will be in 2025.