Africa T20 Cup on the Horizon: A New Era for Cricket on the Continent
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Africa T20 Cup on the Horizon: A New Era for Cricket on the Continent
The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) is considering a continental T20 Cup, with the aim of commercialising the venture to fund its activities and promote the growth of cricket on the continent. The body, which was effectively reconstituted last year with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chief Tavengwa Mukuhlani appointed its chair, is currently reviewing proposals that it deems financially advantageous, but does not anticipate launching before 2027.
Key Discussions Underway
Under discussion at the moment are two major points: an ideal window for the tournament and what the qualification pathway will look like. The former will depend heavily on the participation and buy-in from South Africa, the biggest and busiest team on the continent, who are themselves waiting for direction from the next Future Tours Program (FTP).
Sources close to the talks told ESPNcricinfo that while Cricket South Africa (CSA) is keen on the idea in principle, it needs space in its own calendar in order to determine if it can send a first-choice team to any proposed tournament. Though South Africa are on a five-month break over their winter now, they begin playing again in September and continue non-stop till February 2027, when the current FTP runs out.
Africa Cup and the Road to 2027 ODI World Cup
This year, CSA is in talks with ZC to participate in a tri-series that is likely to also include Namibia, to inaugurate the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium at Victoria Falls. If the series takes place, it will also act as a curtain-raiser for any potential Africa Cup. There are currently provisional dates being pencilled in in August and the series could be played in ODI format as teams prepare for next year’s 50-over World Cup.
Some of the proceeds from this series will go towards the ACA and kickstart interest ahead of an Africa Cup. South Africa’s willingness to travel to their neighbours has ramped up over the last year, and the new-found co-operation comes as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia prepare to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup in 18 months’ time.
Conclusion
The ACA intends to create something similar to the Asia Cup, and hopes it will aid the growth of cricket on the continent. With discussions ongoing and a potential launch after 2027, the future of cricket in Africa looks promising, and the Africa T20 Cup could be the key to unlocking the continent’s cricketing potential.
