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The long-awaited revival of the Afro-Asia Cup, a unique series of white-ball matches between an Asian XI and an African XI, is on the horizon, announced the Africa Cricket Association (ACA). During its recent AGM, the ACA appointed a six-member interim committee tasked with restructuring African cricket and expanding competitive opportunities. A key agenda item includes collaborating with organizations like the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to relaunch the Afro-Asia Cup.
Last held in 2005 in South Africa and 2007 in India, the Afro-Asia Cup was initially slated for a third edition in 2009 in Kenya, which was later canceled. The tournament could now return after nearly two decades, potentially allowing Indian and Pakistani players to play side-by-side in the same team — a rare occurrence since the two countries currently don’t engage in bilateral cricket.
ACA interim chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani, also head of Zimbabwe Cricket, emphasized the importance of the tournament: “The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organization, and the appetite is huge from both ends.” He confirmed the ACA’s ongoing discussions with ACC officials and noted significant interest from African and Asian contingents.
Historically, Asia has dominated the tournament, winning the 2007 series 3-0. The 2005 series was tied 1-1, with one game rained out. Memorable players who participated included icons like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar, along with Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Yousuf. The potential return of the Afro-Asia Cup could mark a symbolic moment, as the cricketing giants of India and Pakistan could reunite under a common banner in a tournament setting.
ACA to Launch an Africa Premier League
Alongside the Afro-Asia Cup revival, the ACA is planning the Africa Premier League — a franchise tournament inspired by the IPL, according to ACA CEO Cassim Suliman. This mini-league aims to introduce a competitive platform for African players and is currently in early planning stages, pending board approval and sponsorship arrangements.
“We’re taking that concept of the IPL and driving it to ensure that everyone benefits,” said Suliman. The tournament will initially be modest in scale, with a vision to grow over time. South Africa’s SA20 currently serves as the sole franchise competition on the continent, and Mukuhlani has expressed hope that South African franchises would participate in the Africa Premier League, with Zimbabwean players also likely to join.
This dual announcement marks an exciting phase in African cricket, with the ACA seeking to build platforms for cross-continental collaboration, develop new leagues, and expand competitive opportunities for emerging players across the continent.
