Africa Plans T20 Tournament Modeled After Asia Cup

Staff Report: PNN

To promote cricket across the African continent and enhance competitive standards, the Africa Cricket Association is planning a new T20 tournament. International sports media report that this Asia Cup-style event may take place by 2027.

The proposed tournament aims to establish regular competition among Africa’s top teams and make continental cricket more attractive. Experts believe that if implemented, it will give African cricket new momentum.

Initially, six teams may participate in the tournament. Efforts are underway to include strong teams such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The participation of South Africa is seen as particularly crucial, as it would enhance the tournament’s quality and commercial potential.

Although there is interest in organizing the tournament, specific schedules and venues have not yet been finalized. The matter largely depends on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) future FTP (Future Tours Programme) announcement.

While Cricket South Africa has expressed a positive attitude, they have stated that no final commitment can be made until the new FTP is finalized. The current FTP schedule is valid until February 2027.

This initiative from Africa comes at a time when similar regional tournaments in Europe have struggled to gain traction. The England and Wales Cricket Board, busy with international fixtures, has not shown much interest in such events.

Meanwhile, the ICC views this coordinated African plan positively. Experts believe that if the tournament succeeds, more talented cricketers will emerge from Africa, further strengthening the continent’s position in global cricket.