India Cricket Team and Pakistan Cricket Team stars can become teammates as the Afro-Asia Cup is likely to be revived. Having last featured way back in 2007, the dream team can see Virat Kohli-Babar Azam, Jasprit Bumrah-Shaheen Afridi pairing up together for Asia XI. Chairman of the African Cricket Association Samod Damodar has claimed that the tournament is likely to become a reality again.
The Afro-Asia Cup stopped after 2007 following the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. India and Pakistan’s ties broke down to an all-time low with the two arch-rivals having played just a solitary bilateral series back in 2012. But now with Jay Shah becoming the new ICC President, the Afro-Asia Cup can see the light of the day.
Back in 2005 and 2007 the tournament took place in the ODI format. But in modern times, the tournament can be rebooted to the shorter T20 format. But with the tournament likely to be revived, Pakistan and India stars like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam and other stars can be seen playing for a same team against Africa XI.
“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. Our members are regretting it. It needed to be pushed by Africa,” Damodar told Forbes.
When can Afro-Asia Cup become reality?
Two years back in 2022, the tournament was almost revived with the competition slated to take place in 2023. But owing to internal turmoil between the Asia Cricket Association (ACA), the tournament couldn’t materialise.
“These matches could break down barriers that are there politically. Cricket can help build the bridges rather than burn it up. I don’t personally believe that players are antagonistic against each other, so I’m sure they would be up for it,” he concluded.
With no window left in 2024, if the tournament sees the light of the day, then it could take place in 2025.
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