3 iconic tournaments that need to restart

2. Afro-Asia Cup

The Afro-Asia Cup was another tournament that was quite unique when compared to the usual cricketing tournaments held across the globe. As implied by its name, it was a cricket series played between an Asian XI and an African XI. A third iteration of the tournament was scheduled for 2009, but it never materialised. The teams for the 2005 and 2007 chapters were selected by ex-Test cricketers rather than national selectors from any of the cricketing administrative bodies. The matches which were played were provided official ODI status. The proceeds from the matches which were played were intended to be utilised for cricketing development in Asia and Africa.

The three-match series of the inaugural edition was drawn 1-1 after the decider in Durban was washed out. Asia XI went on to claim a 3-0 victory against Africa XI in 2007. A catalog of prominent players like Shahid Afridi, Muttiah Muralitharan, and MS Dhoni, to name a few, represented Asia XI at separate instances. There were talks brewing in November 2024 in relation to the Afro-Asian Cup making a comeback. There have been no further developments on the same. If brought back into life, the tournament is sure to set off a wave of frenzied euphoria amid supporters of the game.

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