Kenya is likely to host the next Afro Asia Cup which would be held in June
next year, the Asian Cricket Council said today.
"The next Afro-Asia Cup, the third edition, will be held next June in Africa
and the likely venue is Kenya where the facilities and weather would be
ideal," said ACC Chief Executive Syed Ashraful Haq.
Huq said he was satisfied with the way things have progressed
in the ongoing edition of the tournament despite the absence of some top players
from both Africa and Asia squads.
"We are very satisfied with the way the teams have responded as well as
with the crowd response," he said when asked whether the the pull-out by
leading stars like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar from the
Asian team affected the tournament.
"Sachin and Rahul were absent when the tournament was
held in 2005 also. And Kumar Sangakkara and (Mutthiah) Muralitharan were
not available to play for Sri Lanka (at Abu Dhabi against Pakistan)
because of their county commitments. Do you think this Asian team is weak?"
he queried.
"This tournament is being held for the purpose of developing
unity through cricket. Where else can you see Mohd Asif (Pakistan fast bowler)
taking a wicket and being hugged by India's Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj
Singh. Cricket is not (there) only for making dollars and cents," he
said.
"We want Asia and Africa to be together for all
purposes," he added.
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