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Athletes from India and Pakistan could compete in the proposed Afro-Asian Cup tournament next year.
Cricketers from India and Pakistan are set to play on the same squad in a rare occurrence as part of a revival of the Afro-Asia Cup in mid-2023.
Political difficulties between the 2 countries have spilled across into cricket, limiting competition in bilateral series between the two countries. Pakistan, on the other hand, just made a significant statement with a 10-wicket thrashing in the recent T20 World Cup.
Pakistan last faced India in a bilateral series in 2012-13, and the arch-rivals last faced each other in Test cricket in 2007.
The Afro-Asian Cup, which had previously been staged in 2005 and 2007, was cancelled owing to broadcasting and political concerns.
However, the competition will be held again in 2023, with cricketers from both countries rubbing shoulders once more.
The tournament"s revamped T20 format will be played in June and July of next year.
"We have yet to receive confirmation from the boards. We"re still researching on the white paper, which will be sent to both boards "Prabhakaran Thanraj, ACC"s head of commercial and events, told Forbes. "However, in the Asian XI, we aim to field the finest individuals from India and Pakistan." Once the ideas are finalised, we will seek sponsorship and a broadcaster."
"It will be a huge occasion. Extremely large, "He was emphatic.
If everything goes as planned, players from both countries will lit up a stage for all of the fans to enjoy.
"I"d love to see a way to bridge the divide and get the men to play together. I"m sure the players want it to happen while avoiding politics. It would be fantastic to see Pakistani and Indian players on the same side "Damodar stated as a member of the crucial Chief Executives" Committee.
"It will be a huge occasion. Extremely large, "He was emphatic.
If everything goes as planned, players from both countries will lit up a stage for all of the fans to enjoy.
"I"d love to see the possibility to bridge the gap and allow the guys to play together. I"m sure the players want it to happen while keeping politics out of it. It would be wonderful to see players from Pakistan and India on the same team "Damodar, a member of the important Chief Executives" Committee, stated.
In past editions, Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi appeared alongside Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid for Asia XI, while players from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya played for African XI.
The PCB, on the other hand, has denied the claims and stated that they have not yet been consulted on the topic.