In a major development, cricketers from India and Pakistan may unite to form a dream Playing XI as cricketing bodies consider reviving the star-studded Afro-Asia Cup. The Afro-Asia Cup, held in 2005 and 2007, featured two teams: Asia XI, comprising top cricketers from the subcontinent, and Africa XI, made up of players from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and other neighbouring countries. After two successful editions, the tournament was suspended due to tensions between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which halted bilateral series between the two nations.
With Jay Shah set to become the new ICC president in December, discussions about reviving the tournament are underway, potentially marking its full return in the near future. The tournament, previously played in the ODI format, could now be contested in T20s. Samod Damodar, Chairman of the African Cricket Association, provided an update on the potential revival, expressing regret over its previous absence. “I am personally very disappointed that the Afro-Asia Cup did not continue. The momentum was lacking through the ACA, but it is being reconsidered. It needed more support from Africa,” Damodar said, according to Forbes.
If the revival proceeds, possibly in 2025, world cricket might witness an unprecedented alliance between Indian and Pakistani cricketers. Fans could see stars like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammad Rizwan celebrating together. In the inaugural Afro-Asia Cup in 2005, the Asia XI included Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan, and Shoaib Akhtar. By the 2007 edition, MS Dhoni had also joined the ranks, making headlines with his explosive 139.
The report highlights that the Afro-Asia Cup was nearly revived two years ago and was on track for a return in 2023. However, internal issues within the ACA caused the plan to falter. Now, the prospect of reviving the tournament seems more promising than ever. If it proceeds, fans could see Indian and Pakistani cricketers not just facing off but teaming up on the same field.
With bilateral cricketing ties suspended, India and Pakistan currently only play against each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup. Samod Damodar is eager to introduce a new dimension to this dynamic. “These matches have the potential to break down political barriers. Cricket can build bridges rather than create divisions. I believe players are not antagonistic toward each other and would be enthusiastic about this opportunity,” he said.
