Cricket fans worldwide are excited as talks circulate about Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi possibly playing alongside India’s Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in the same team. What seemed like a distant dream may soon come true.
Indian media reports suggest that serious discussions are ongoing to bring back the Afro-Asia Cup, a tournament last played over a decade ago. This iconic event could soon return to the cricket schedule if all goes well.
The Afro-Asia Cup was previously held in 2005 and 2007, with an Asia XI playing against an Africa XI. The Asia XI had top players from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries, while the Africa XI featured talents from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and other African nations.
The tournament was a hit during its time but came to a halt due to strained political relations between Pakistan and India, especially after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This tension led to a pause in cricketing ties between the two nations.
However, with Jay Shah potentially becoming the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in December, Indian media suggests the Afro-Asia Cup might return in 2025. If so, it will likely be in the fast-paced T20 format, which could attract global attention.
If the tournament is revived, fans might witness a historic moment with Babar Azam and Virat Kohli playing on the same side, which has only been a fantasy until now.
The first Afro-Asia Cup, held in 2005, featured legends like Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and many more. If the Cup returns, the new generation of cricket stars could create another unforgettable chapter in cricket history.
