Cricket fans in the subcontinent could be in for a treat in 2025, as two of the biggest names in the sport—India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam—might find themselves playing together in the same team.
Yes, you read that right! The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup could turn this dream into reality, and cricket enthusiasts across the globe are already buzzing with excitement.
A Blast from the Past: The Afro-Asia Cup Returns?
Samod Damodar, the head of the African Cricket Association (ACA), recently hinted that the Afro-Asia Cup could make a return in 2025, under the leadership of Jay Shah, who is set to become the new ICC chairman in December 2024.
If the tournament is revived, it would mark the return of an intercontinental cricket showdown that has been missing for over a decade. For those unfamiliar with the Afro-Asia Cup, it’s an exhibition tournament that brings together the best cricketers from Asia and Africa.
In its previous editions in 2005 and 2007, we saw legendary players like Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi team up with India’s Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid for the Asian XI, while players from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya formed the African XI.
The idea of players from rival nations like India and Pakistan sharing the same dressing room has always been a huge draw for fans. And now, with talks of the tournament returning in the T20 format, the possibility of seeing Kohli and Babar playing on the same side is closer than ever.
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Why the Afro-Asia Cup Was Put on Hold?
Despite its popularity, the Afro-Asia Cup was shelved after just two editions due to broadcasting and political issues. Damodar expressed his disappointment over the tournament’s discontinuation, stating, “Personally, I am very hurt that it didn’t happen. Our members regret it. It needed to be pushed by Africa.”
It’s clear that the ACA never lost faith in the potential of the Afro-Asia Cup, and Damodar believes the return of the tournament could be a step toward reducing political tensions. “These matches could break down barriers that are there politically. Cricket can help build the bridges rather than burn it up,” he said, hoping the event could bring people closer together.
Will the Stars Align in 2025?
With Jay Shah soon to take the reins at the ICC, there’s renewed hope for the Afro-Asia Cup’s revival. The Afro-Asia Cup has the potential to become a platform for fostering camaraderie between nations that are often seen as rivals.
And for fans, the chance to see Kohli and Babar batting side by side—or a bowling attack featuring both Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi—is nothing short of a fantasy come true.
Another exciting element is the potential switch from the ODI format to T20. With the rise of T20 leagues around the world, a T20 Afro-Asia Cup makes perfect sense in today’s cricket landscape. The shorter format promises fast-paced action, dramatic finishes, and of course, more room for star players to shine.
We can only hope that this tournament not only returns but thrives, bringing us closer together as a cricket-loving community. Until then, we’ll keep dreaming of that moment when Virat Kohli and Babar Azam walk out to bat as teammates, creating magic on the field together.
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