In the mid-2000s, a series of charity matches called the Afro-Asia Cup were played. It was played between the Asian XI and the African XI; the first cup was held in 2005 while the second was played in 2007. Players like Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Zaheer Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, Anil Kumble and Shahid Afridi played in the same team for Asia. On the other hand, big names for Africa like Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis and Tatenda Taibu played for the same team.
According to a report by Forbes, the Asian Afro Cup is likely to be resumed as it is “being looked at again.” “Personally, I am very hurt that (the Asian Afro Cup) was not held,” Damodar told me.
“There wasn’t enough of a push through the ACA, but it’s being looked at again. I think it was basically due to a lack of understanding and a lack of acceptance of the concept,” former African Cricket Association president Sumod Damodar told Forbes.
“Our members regret this. It was necessary for Africa to push for this.”
If the tournament resumes, there is a possibility that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam could play together or Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah could work together in the middle while bowling. It was in 2012-13 when India played a bilateral series against Pakistan. The two teams have not participated in Tests against each other since 2007.
“These parties could break down barriers that exist politically,” Damodar said.
“Cricket can help build bridges rather than destroy them. Personally, I don’t think players are antagonistic towards each other, so I’m sure they would be willing to do that.”
One of the reports that emerged in 2022 said that there was a proposal between Asian Cricket Council President Jay Shah and then African Cricket Association President Sumod Damodar to resume the tournament.
“With Mahinda now on the ICC board and Jay Shah heading the ICC, that could give a little more momentum to this cause,” Damodar said.
“They’ve both always been proactive in trying to make this happen.”
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