Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 15, 2024, 10:20 AM
Afro-Asia Cup: Former BCCI secretary Jay Shah has recently become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The post is considered the highest in the world of cricket, and within a month of his taking charge, Shah is pointing towards an important initiative. According to reports, discussions have started on the possibility of the return of the Afro-Asia Cup under the leadership of Jay Shah, which had not happened in the last 17 years. If this tournament is revived, cricket lovers can get to see a unique and incredible sight.Historical background of Afro-Asia CupThe Afro-Asia Cup started in 2005 and three editions were to be played. Despite the success of the first two editions, the event was postponed for the third edition. It was discontinued after 2007 due to broadcasting problems. India hosted the second edition in 2007, and the tournament was discontinued since then.Jay Shah's role and new expectationsAfter Jay Shah became the ICC chairman, discussions about the return of this tournament have intensified. Shah, who was previously the BCCI secretary and head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is now in this new role. The post of ACC president has fallen vacant and there are reports that Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi may be appointed as the new head of the ACC. With this change, new light is also being shed on the possibilities of the Afro-Asia Cup.Possible match: Players from India and Pakistan in the same team?Under the leadership of the new ICC chairman Jay Shah, cricket lovers can get to see an exciting scene. Relations between India and Pakistan are often tense and the two countries face each other only in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup. But in the Afro-Asia Cup, players from both these countries can play in the same team, which can be an incredible experience for cricket fans.According to the format of the Afro-Asia Cup, teams like Asia XI and Africa XI are formed in the tournament. The Asia XI may include players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other Asian countries, while the Africa XI may include players from South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya, and other African countries. Under this format, players from India and Pakistan may be seen playing in the same team.Prospects and impact of the Afro-Asia CupIf the Afro-Asia Cup resumes, it will not only be a major event in the cricket world but it may also feature matches between the Under-19 and senior teams. The tournament will not only offer a new challenge to the players but will also be a unique and exciting experience for the fans.Sumod Damodar, who is the head of Botswana Cricket and represents the associate teams at the ICC, has revealed that talks are underway on the return of the Afro-Asia Cup. If the tournament is revived, it could start a new era in the world of cricket.ConclusionICC Chairman Jay Shah's decision to revive the Afro-Asia Cup is a sign of a new direction in the cricket world. This move will not only increase the competition among the players but will also provide a new and exciting experience to cricket lovers. If this tournament is successful, it could prove to be a turning point in the history of cricket.