In conversation with ACC to revive Afro-Asia Cup after nearly two decades: ACA chair Mukuhlani

Africa Cricket Association (ACA) has started dialogue with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and or stakeholders to revive once popular Afro- Asia Cup , a common meeting ground for players from two continents, after nearly two decades.

Afro-Asia Cup has had only two editions to date -- 2005 in South Africa (draw) and 2007 in India (won by Asia).

A third edition of event was scheduled to be held in Kenya in 2009 but it never happened.

“ Afro-Asia Cup, apart from cricket, brings much-needed financial input to organisation, and appetite is huge from both ends,” ACA interim chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, who is also Zimbabwe Cricket Chair, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

This tournament event gives players from India, Pakistan , Sri Lanka and Bangladesh a unique chance to be in same team.

“We have had conversations with our counterparts within Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, y want Afro-Asia Cup to be revived,” said Mukuhlani.

ACC is yet to make any response on matter.

2005 Asia squad was captained by n Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq and featured likes of Rahul Dravid, Ashish Nehra and Anil Kumble.

2007 Asia XI included MS Dhoni , Sourav Ganguly , Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar while Mohammed Asif, Mohammed Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan.

ACA planning IPL -style league

ACA is also pondering over conducting Africa Premier League, a mini version of Indian Premier League (IPL).

While concept is still in planning sts, ACA CEO Cassim Suliman said details will emerge once required approval is received from respective African cricketing boards.

“It's mini vision of IPL. So, we're taking that concept of IPL and driving that concept to ensure that everybody benefits in that aspect,” he revealed.

“But board will decide exactly who's hosting and from re, we'll take it to m from re.

“It's going to be like IPL format, but with a lower status and n we'll grow it from re,” he added.