As per reports, ICC President Jay Shah likes the idea of hosting the Afro-Asia Cup in the future. It has been a while since an event has happened. Hence, it has excited the fans. Most likely, the matches will happen in the T20 format. On that note, here, we take a look at the likely Asia Playing XI if the Afro-Asia Cup returns in 2025.
Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and R Gurbaz
Yashasvi Jaiswal is in top form and is one of the best T20 openers in Asia at the moment. With Gurbaz at the other end, there is a right-left combination and also balance in terms of approach, if required,
Middle-Order: Mohammad Rizwan, Rishabh Pant (WK) and Suryakumar Yadav (C)
It could be difficult to form a middle order for this likely Asia Playing XI if the Afro-Asia Cup returns in 2025. Barring SKY, who could also feature as the captain, the other options are slightly unconvincing. Asia does not have some blockbuster middle-order batters such as Nicholas Pooran or Heinrich Klaasen, who would have made this middle-order excellent.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel
The Indian all-rounders could dominate in the likely Asia Playing XI if the Afro-Asia Cup returns in 2025. You could say these two players are the best all-rounders in Asia at the moment, especially in the T20 format. Shakib Al Hasan is also good but right now, Axar is in better form.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi and Matheesha Pathirana
It is the bowling unit that is solid for this side. It is so good that we have had to leave out the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Naseem Shah. In Bumrah, Shaheen and Patheerana, there is a pace attack that serves well in all the phases of the game. Rashid Khan will lead the spin attack for this side.
