Afro-Asia Cup revival on cards; Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, Shaheen Afridi to team up

Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and others from India and Pakistan playing together as a team could well be a possibility. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that the Afro-Asia Cup is likely to be revived. The tournament was notably discontinued in 2007.

Although the revival of intercontinental engagements may take time, the changes in world cricket administration taking place currently might see the Afro-Asia Cup likely to be played again. Jay Shah is all set to take charge of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to assume the top position at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that the discussions to revive the Afro-Asia Cup began two years earlier, with Jay Shah, who is BCCI secretary and ACC Chairman, showing interest in reviving the tournament. But the reports claimed that, to make it a possibility, there is still a lot of work left behind.

Sumod Damodar, who is a veteran ICC hand, talked about the same, confirming that Jay Shah, along with current ICC director Mahinda Vallipuram, continuously took part in discussions. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he explained:

"We have tried to revive the Afro-Asia Cup. Jay was on board and Mahinda Vallipuram (head of Malaysia Cricket and current ICC director) actively participated in the discussions."

The Afro-Asia tournament was kick-started in 2005, and it was planned for three editions. The first edition of the tournament was played in 2005 in Centurion and Durban, followed by the second edition in 2007, held in Bengaluru and Chennai. But after that, it was discontinued as there were issues with broadcasters.

Talks related to the Afro-Asia Cup are expected to conclude once the ongoing changes in the power structure and pathway tournaments are finalized

The plan for the Afro-Asia Cup had a business model in which 80 percent of the revenue generated would go to the African continent, with 10 percent allocated to the cash-rich boards of Asia. But the new model for the tournament suggested something different.

As per the new model, Asian and African cricket boards aim to engage at multiple levels. They are on the same page that matches between the continents will take place at three levels in development (primarily at the under-19 level, seen as an investment), emerging, and pinnacle levels, the latter involving current international players.

Sumod Damodar confirmed the plan, saying that they are yet to decide on the frequency. He also mentioned that everything will depend on the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and the international commitments of the players. He added:

"That is the plan. We have yet to decide on the frequency - whether it will be annual or biennial. Much will depend on the calendar, the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and the international commitments of the players."

The talks related to the Afro-Asia Cup are expected to conclude once the ongoing changes in the power structure and pathway tournaments are finalized. It remains to be seen if Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi will team up together.