Afro-Asia Cup Set for a Thrilling Comeback

The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) is working toward reviving the Afro-Asia Cup, a white-ball cricket series featuring an Asian XI and an African XI. The ACA announced this intent at its recent Annual General Meeting, where a new six-member interim committee was formed to revamp the organization and create more competitive opportunities for African players.

One of the committee’s main goals is to reach out to other cricket organizations, including the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), to explore cross-continental events like the Afro-Asia Cup. This tournament was previously held only twice, in 2005 in South Africa and 2007 in India, with a third edition planned for Kenya in 2009 but ultimately canceled. Now, after nearly two decades, there is renewed interest in reviving this event. If successful, the tournament could give players from India and Pakistan—who currently do not play bilateral cricket together—a rare chance to join forces in the Asia XI team.

According to Tavengwa Mukuhlani, ACA’s interim chair and also the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, the Afro-Asia Cup presents both a financial boon and a unique cricketing experience. “The appetite for the Afro-Asia Cup is substantial on both sides, and we have been in discussions with the ACC,” Mukuhlani shared. While there has been no formal response from the ACC or discussions at its recent meeting in Malaysia, the ACA remains hopeful about progressing with the concept.

In the past, the tournament saw high-profile players: the 2005 Asia XI was led by Inzamam-ul-Haq with stars like Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, while the 2007 lineup included MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Shoaib Akhtar. Since 2008, however, political tensions have limited India-Pakistan matches to ICC events, marking a potential Afro-Asia Cup as a significant cross-border event.

Beyond the Afro-Asia Cup, the ACA also aims to launch the “Africa Premier League,” inspired by the IPL model. ACA CEO Cassim Suliman noted that while planning is still underway, the league would feature a shorter, IPL-style format and is seeking board approval. “The Africa Premier League will provide a platform similar to the IPL, though at a smaller scale initially, to ensure benefits for all involved. South Africa and Zimbabwe players will add experience to the league, supporting growth for other African teams,” said Suliman.

Currently, Africa’s only franchise cricket league is South Africa’s SA20. However, Mukuhlani sees a future for the Africa Premier League with South African and Zimbabwean teams, bringing competitive cricket to a wider African audience and fostering development on the continent.

Image Credits: Forbes

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