The African Cricket Association (ACA) has confirmed plans to revive the Afro-Asian Cup, a series of white-ball matches between the best players from Africa and Asia, with the possibility of Pakistan and India playing in the same team.

There have only been two editions of the tournament, held in 2005 and 2007 respectively. In 2005, the three-match ODI series was split 1-1 after a final match due to rain, and in 2007, Asia XI won all three matches.

The third edition was scheduled to be held in Kenya in 2009, but was ultimately scrapped. However, after almost two decades, there is a chance that the tournament will make its long-awaited return.

During the ACA’s annual general meeting, a six-person interim committee was appointed to revamp the organization and also increase competitive opportunities for players across the continent.

One of the main objectives of the interim committee is to establish partnerships with cricket bodies such as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and explore transcontinental initiatives including the Afro-Asian Cup.

If the tournament is renewed, cricket fans will be able to see players from Pakistan and India playing in the same team.

Speaking to journalists, ACA acting boss Tavengwa Mukuhlani highlighted the financial importance of the tournament before sharing that he had held talks with his ACC counterparts and also the African contingents, who are eager for the revival of the tournament.

“The Afro-Asian Cup, in addition to cricket, brings much-needed financial input to the organization and the appetite is huge on both sides,” Mukuhlani said.

“We have had discussions with our counterparts within the Asian Cricket Council and obviously with our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asian Cup to be revived,” he added.

However, according to the ESPN CricinfoACC officials did not respond at the time of the report’s publication. The media outlet further reported that no official request has been made to the ACC.

India and Pakistan have not played bilateral series recently due to political tensions and have only faced each other in International Cricket Council (ICC) and ACC tournaments.