Revival of Afro-Asia Cup could be in the works

Is a revival of the Afro-Asia Cup, discontinued since 2007, realistically possible and can Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah team up and collaborate with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi representing the same side? Cricbuzz can reveal that it is not nigh on impossible but it’s a long shot at this juncture.

With far reaching changes in world cricket administration taking place currently – Jay Shah taking over the reins of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expected to assume the top position at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) – the revival of intercontinental engagements may take a bit longer than anticipated.

This website understands that negotiations began a couple of years ago, with Jay Shah, who has been the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as well as the head of the ACC, being open to the idea of reviving the potentially biennial Afro-Asia Cup. However, there is still a significant amount of work to be done before it can become a reality.

“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,” Sumod Damodar, a veteran ICC hand, told Cricbuzz. Damodar, the head of Botswana Cricket, who is contesting for a place in the CEC from Associate Nations, was one of those involved when the idea was first mooted and implemented about 17-18 years ago.

The first edition of the Afro-Asia Cup was played in 2005 in Centurion and Durban, followed by the second edition in 2007, held in Bengaluru and Chennai. Initially, it was planned for three editions but the matches could not go ahead because of issues with the broadcaster.

The plan, initiated by figures like Jagmohan Dalmiya and Percy Sonn, included a business model in which 80 per cent of the revenue generated would go to the African continent, with 10 per cent allocated to the cash-rich boards of Asia. This was revealed by Damodar, the former finance director of the African Cricket Association (ACA).

According to the new plan, the Asian and African cricket boards aim to engage at multiple levels, with matches between the continents taking place in three stages: development (primarily at the under-19 level, seen as an investment), emerging, and pinnacle levels, the latter involving current international players.

“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,” said Damodar, who is privy to the discussions. The talks are expected to conclude once the ongoing changes in the power structure and pathway tournaments are finalized.

Damodar, meanwhile, is busy with the election to the CEC which started on Friday and will conclude on Tuesday. As reported by Cricbuzz earlier, Damodar faces challenge from two other candidates — Dr Vignaesh Shankaran of Germany and Richard Done of Papua New Guinea – for one position that will fill the vacancy created by the exit of Mubashir Usmani, who recently got elected to the ICC Board. An electoral college consisting of 45 Associate Members will elect a candidate who will have one year in the ongoing two-tenure.

“My focus will continue to be total representation for all regions and all Associate members, at all times. We need to bridge the gap with full members, establish sound platforms on all fronts, and progress AM development and growth. My past experience gives me sufficient confidence to see this potential as a reality. ” Damodar, who had been a member of the CEC for six years from 2017 to 23, said.