The players of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal may play together for the same team in 2023 if the organizers bring back the Afro-Asia Cup. Many fans would remember that a team from Asia and a team from Africa would compete in the Afro-Asia Cup in the past.
According to a recent report in Forbes, the competition may return in 2023. The Asian Cricket Council is planning to conduct the tournament in such a window where the top names from all Asian and African nations are available to play.
Here’s what ACC head of commercial and events Prabhakaran Thanraj said:
“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. But our plan is for the best players from India and Pakistan to be playing in the Asian XI. Once plans are finalized we will go into market for sponsorship and a broadcaster.”
The event is reportedly planned for June-July 2023, meaning it could take place right after the conclusion of the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League. If the tournament happens right after the IPL, it is unlikely that the big names of Indian cricket will be available for this series.
Fans on Twitter react to reports of the return of Afro-Asia Cup
Fans on social media were ecstatic to read this report because now there is a possibility of India and Pakistan cricketers playing together. Here are some of the top tweets:
India and Pakistan players are likely to team up together as Africa vs Asia cricket series might be scheduled in mid-2023. (Source – Forbes)
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2022
Babar, virat, rizwan, rohit in same team ♥️
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) June 17, 2022
Shaheen – Boom – Rashid 😎
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2022
This is big news for Indo-Pak cricket fans!!! There are plans under Asian Cricket Council to schedule Afro-Asia Cup based on T20 format in mid 2023 which will feature top cricketers from Pakistan and India together. Kohli Babar Rohit Bumrah Rizwan Shaheen together?Damn!! (Forbes)
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) June 17, 2022
Exclusive: Stars from India & Pakistan are set to team up in a revival of the Asia-Afro Cup, which was held in the mid-2000s. It's part of a Jay Shah-led Asian Cricket Council rebrand aiming to develop women’s, Associates and junior cricket @ForbesSports https://t.co/43kqy52mjU
— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) June 17, 2022
Woah…Afro-Asia cup again😍😍😍
— #GillOP (@EternalBlizard_) June 17, 2022
Proper nostalgia… bring back no 1 team vs Rest of the World too 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/8wiXaqLG8s
Childhood memories 😊..afro Asia cup..ah.
— Nawaidcric (@Nawaidkhan99) June 17, 2022
According to several media reports, players from India and Pakistan are likely to feature in a series b/w Africa XI and Asia XI, likely to be scheduled in mid-2023. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be playing for the same team.
— Farid Khan 🇵🇰🇹🇷 (@_FaridKhan) June 17, 2022
Can't wait for a top order of Rohit Rizwan Babar kohli in T20 🔥 https://t.co/vGGb8a54X9
— ∆🏏 (@CaughtAtGully) June 17, 2022
