Afro Asia Cup 2025: Cricket fans around the world may soon witness something truly special – a team featuring both Virat Kohli and Babar Azam playing side by side. The iconic Afro Asia Cup, last played in 2007, could soon be making a highly anticipated comeback. With discussions heating up, the possibility of India and Pakistan stars joining forces for Asia XI against Africa XI is closer than ever.
Let’s have a look into more details: Afro Asia Cup 2025
The Afro Asia Cup, which first took place in 2005 and again in 2007, is a tournament that sees top cricketers from Asia and Africa competing in an exhibition series. Players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh make up the Asia XI, while Africa XI traditionally includes talents from South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. However, after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, political tensions between India and Pakistan put an end to the tournament and any hope of further collaborations between the two cricketing powerhouses.
Fast forward to today, and Samod Damodar, chairman of the African Cricket Association, has expressed optimism about reviving the Afro Asia Cup. With the incoming ICC President, Jay Shah, taking charge in December 2024, talks about bringing back the tournament have gained momentum.
Could 2025 See Kohli and Babar on the Same Team?
Imagine the sight , Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah all donning the same jersey for Asia XI. That dream could become a reality in 2025 if the tournament’s revival moves forward. With no open window in 2024, the most likely time frame for the return of the Afro Asia Cup would be in 2025. The tournament would most likely be held in the T20 format, offering fans explosive, action packed matches.
Such a reunion would mark the first time in years that Indian and Pakistani players share the field outside of ICC and ACC events. The Afro Asia Cup offers an opportunity for cricketers from these rival nations to build camaraderie on the field and inspire a new generation of fans.
The Afro Asia Cup has had some historic moments, featuring legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Shoaib Akhtar for Asia XI. The 2007 edition saw Dhoni’s unbeaten 139 in the final ODI, a knock that helped Asia XI claim victory. Africa XI, led by players like Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher, provided fierce competition in past editions.
If the tournament were to return, modern day icons like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Jasprit Bumrah could lead Asia XI to new heights. Likewise, African stars like Kagiso Rabada and David Miller could bring their own magic to the field.
Can Cricket Break Political Barriers?
The return of the Afro Asia Cup holds more significance than just cricket. Given the tense political relations between India and Pakistan, this tournament could serve as a powerful symbol of unity. Damodar believes that cricket has the potential to “break down barriers” and bring people closer. “These matches could break down barriers that are there politically. Cricket can help build bridges rather than burn them up,” he said.
The idea of players from two nations that rarely play bilateral series uniting on the field is a tantalizing one. As cricket lovers, fans hope that the Afro Asia Cup will become more than just a spectacle but also a step towards fostering better relations between the two countries.
When Will the Afro Asia Cup Happen?
While no official dates have been set, 2025 looks like the year when the Afro Asia Cup could finally be revived. Jay Shah, once in charge of the ICC, will have the authority to push this forward, and the success of this event could leave a lasting legacy.
The next few months will be crucial in determining if the Afro Asia Cup can return to the international stage, bringing with it the excitement of seeing some of the world’s best cricketers share a single goal, victory for Asia XI.
If the Afro Asia Cup does return, it would be a monumental moment for cricket, offering an extraordinary experience for fans. The possibility of Kohli and Babar playing together is enough to send shivers of excitement through cricketing circles. It’s not just about the game, but also about breaking down political barriers and showcasing the unifying power of sports.
All eyes will be on 2025 as we wait to see if this dream tournament becomes a reality.
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FAQs
What is the Afro Asia Cup?
The Afro Asia Cup is a cricket tournament featuring top players from Asia and Africa, last held in 2007
