In a thrilling development for cricket fans worldwide, the possibility of Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and Pakistani captain Babar Azam playing for the same team has been hinted at by top officials. This exciting prospect is tied to the potential revival of the Afro-Asia Cup, a series of charity matches that last took place in 2007.
SOURCE : ZEE
The Afro-Asia Cup, which featured matches between an Asian XI and an African XI, saw some of the biggest names in cricket come together. Players like Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Shahid Afridi represented Asia, while Africa boasted stars like Shaun Pollock and Jacques Kallis. The tournament was a unique platform that transcended national rivalries, promoting unity and sportsmanship.
Source:- -BBC news
According to Sumod Damodar, the former President of the African Cricket Association, there is renewed interest in bringing back the Afro-Asia Cup. “Personally, I am very hurt that it didn’t happen,” Damodar expressed. “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”. He emphasized that the tournament could help break down political barriers and foster better relations between countries.
The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup could see cricket legends like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam playing side by side for the Asian XI. This prospect has generated immense excitement among fans, who are eager to see how these two batting maestros would complement each other on the field. Additionally, the possibility of bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah teaming up adds another layer of anticipation.
Prabhakaran Thanraj, the head of commercial and events at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), confirmed that discussions are ongoing. “We haven’t got confirmation from the boards yet. We are still working on the white paper and it will be submitted to both boards,” Thanraj told Forbes. “But our plan is for the best players from India and Pakistan to be playing in the Asian XI”
The Afro-Asia Cup was initially proposed to be revived in 2022, with discussions involving Jay Shah, the ACC chair, and Mahinda Vallipuram, the then head of development at the ACC. Vallipuram, who was recently re-elected to the ICC board, has been proactive in pushing for the tournament’s return. “With Mahinda now on the ICC board and Jay Shah running the ICC, that could bring a bit more momentum to this cause,” Damodar noted.
The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan took place in 20-13, and the two teams have not faced each other in Test matches since 2007. The Afro-Asia Cup could provide a rare opportunity for players from these rival nations to play together, potentially easing tensions and building bridges through the sport.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting further announcements. The prospect of seeing Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in the same team is a tantalizing one, promising a blend of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship that could make for unforgettable matches. As discussions continue, the cricketing community remains hopeful that the Afro-Asia Cup will soon make a triumphant return, bringing together the best of Asian and African cricket talent.
Share your views in the comments
