The Afro-Asia Cup, a cricketing tournament featuring teams from Africa and Asia, is poised for revival, as confirmed by the Africa Cricket Association (ACA). This announcement came during the ACA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), where a six-member interim committee was appointed to oversee efforts to enhance opportunities for cricketers in both regions.
Historical context of the Afro-Asia Cup
The inaugural Afro-Asia Cup took place in 2005 in South Africa, followed by a second edition hosted by India in 2007. Although Kenya was slated to host the 2009 edition, the tournament never materialized due to undisclosed reasons. The previous contests showcased some thrilling encounters, with the 2005 series ending in a 1-1 draw, and the 2007 series concluding with Asia winning decisively 3-0. Notable cricketers such as Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi and Sanath Jayasuriya participated in these editions, with captains like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rahul Dravid leading the respective squads.
Financial and competitive importance
According to the ESPNcricinfo report, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the interim chair of the ACA and also the chair of Zimbabwe Cricket, emphasized the significance of the Afro-Asia Cup beyond just cricketing competition.
“The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organisation, and the appetite is huge from both ends. We have had conversations with our counterparts within the Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived,” Tavengwa Mukuhlani, interim chair of the ACA, said in a press conference.
Also READ: The Afro-Asia Cup: History, editions and prominent cricketing figures ft. MS Dhoni and Morne Morkel
Potential for uniting rivals
One of the most compelling aspects of reviving the Afro-Asia Cup is the possibility of Indian and Pakistan cricketers playing together on the same team. Since January 2013, encounters between these two cricketing giants have been limited to ICC and ACC events, with no bilateral matches due to ongoing political tensions. The last time India played in Pakistan was during the Asia Cup in 2008. The Afro-Asia Cup could serve as a platform for reconciliation and collaboration, uniting players from these historic rivals in a shared pursuit of cricketing excellence.
Best playing XI of Asia for the Afro-Asia Cup against Africa
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
Gurbaz is an explosive wicketkeeper-batter known for his aggressive stroke play. His ability to dominate bowlers from the outset can set the tone for the innings, providing the perfect launchpad for the batting lineup. Additionally, his agility and sharp reflexes behind the stumps add a layer of reliability to the team’s fielding.
2. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
As one of the most accomplished openers in modern cricket, Rohit brings a wealth of experience and a calm demeanor to the captaincy. His knack for scoring big runs, especially in high-pressure situations, makes him a crucial asset. Rohit’s leadership style fosters a positive atmosphere, encouraging his teammates to perform at their best.
3. Virat Kohli
Kohli is renowned for his consistency and unparalleled chase ability, making him a cornerstone of the batting order. His hunger for runs and meticulous approach to batting under pressure can inspire the team. Kohli’s vast experience in international cricket equips him to handle challenging situations effectively, and his dynamic presence elevates the overall batting performance.
4. Babar Azam
Babar stands out as one of the finest batter in contemporary cricket, known for his elegant stroke play and exceptional technique. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when necessary adds versatility to the middle order. Babar’s leadership qualities and understanding of the game make him an invaluable player in this XI.
5. Charith Asalanka
Asalanka has emerged as a promising talent from Sri Lanka, showcasing his ability to adapt his batting style according to the match situation. His blend of aggression and calmness allows him to stabilize the innings when required, making him a key middle-order player who can also provide finishing touches.
6. Hardik Pandya
Pandya’s role as an all-rounder is pivotal; he brings explosive batting capabilities alongside impactful medium-pace bowling. His ability to clear the boundary frequently adds a significant boost to the scoring rate, especially in the death overs. Hardik’s all-round skills and energetic presence can turn the tide of a match at any moment.
7. Mehidy Hasan Mirza
The talented Bangladeshi off-spinner is instrumental in controlling the run rate during the middle overs. Mehidy is adept at taking crucial wickets, and his batting skills can provide vital lower-order runs. His experience in different conditions equips him to handle pressure situations effectively.
8. Rashid Khan
Rashid is one of the premier leg-spinners globally, known for his wicket-taking ability and exceptional bowling variations. His capacity to turn matches with both bat and ball makes him a key player. Rashid’s experience in T20 leagues around the world allows him to thrive under pressure and take crucial wickets.
9. Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah is the spearhead of the bowling attack, celebrated for his unique bowling action and lethal yorkers. His ability to bowl at any stage of the match, particularly in death overs, makes him a critical weapon. Bumrah’s presence instills confidence in the team, knowing they have a bowler who can perform in clutch moments.
10. Naseem Shah
A young and fiery fast bowler, Naseem Shah brings raw pace and the ability to swing the ball, making him a potential match-winner. His impressive performances at a young age have showcased his talent, and he can trouble even the best batter with his pace and bounce.
11. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Farooqi is an emerging talent from Afghanistan whose left-arm pace and ability to bowl under pressure add depth to the bowling lineup. His knack for taking wickets in the powerplay and versatility in various match situations make him a valuable addition to the team.
12th Man: Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep, a skilled left-arm wrist-spinner, offers depth to the spin department and can be a game-changer with his variations. His capacity to pick wickets in crucial situations provides strategic options for the captain, making him an excellent choice as the 12th man.
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