Afro-Asia Cup revival among key points after latest ACA development

Remember the 2000s Afro-Asia Cup, where top Asian players teamed up to play against top African players? It has reached a highlight point following the latest development in the Africa Cricket Association (ACA), as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) head Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed as the chairman of ACA. 

Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been serving in the role of ACA chairman since last November. Now, he has been unanimously appointed to the same role by the 23 ACA member associations during their annual meeting in Singapore on Friday (July 18).

Let us continue building on the progress we have made: ACA chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani

Mukuhlani stated, "We stand today at the threshold of a new era for African cricket - an era defined by stronger governance, broader opportunity and renewed ambition. Let us continue building on the progress we have made, united by a common purpose and driven by a shared love for the game."

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ACA important focus

ACA has two ICC Full Members as South Africa and Zimbabwe. ACA now has some important deals to handle. Apart from the inclusion of cricket in the Africa Games 2027 in Egypt, following its debut in the Africa Games 2023 in Ghana, ACA is also working to resume the Afro-Asia Cup. 

We experienced the Afro-Asia Cup twice in 2005 and 2007, while both were three-match ODI series. It was between Asia XI vs Africa XI, where top Asian players served for Asia XI, and top African players served for Africa XI. South Africa hosted the 2005 edition, and it ended with a 1-1 series line. Meanwhile, India hosted the 2007 edition, which ended a 3-0 series win for the Asia XI. 

In the Africa Games 2023, Zimbabwe men's and women's teams both won gold medals while South Africa sent their experimental teams. 

Mukuhlani supports cricket extension in the African Games, which can help the ACA to generate more funds. He said, "These engagements are crucial not only for visibility but also for opening new doors of investment, policy support and continental collaboration."

Meanwhile, there are some bigger pictures for ACA as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 after Zimbabwe and Namibia jointly hosting the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026.