Africa Cricket Association eyes continental T20 Cup to boost finances

The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) is exploring the idea of launching a continental T20 Cup, with the primary aim of commercialising the tournament to support its activities. The body, reconstituted last year with Tavengwa Mukuhlani, also the head of Zimbabwe Cricket, as its chair, is currently reviewing financially viable proposals. However, the tournament is unlikely to be launched before 2027.

Discussions are ongoing around identifying an ideal window for the competition and finalising the qualification pathway. A key factor will be the involvement of South Africa, the continent’s strongest and busiest side, whose participation depends on clarity from the next Future Tours Programme (FTP).

According to ESPNcricinfo, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is open to the idea in principle but needs space in its calendar to assess whether it can field a full-strength squad. Although South Africa are currently on a break, they resume international cricket in September and are scheduled to play continuously until February 2027, when the current FTP cycle concludes.

Upcoming ICC meetings will play a crucial role in shaping the international calendar for the next five years, impacting both South Africa and Zimbabwe national cricket team, the latter being a Full Member but not part of the World Test Championship.

In the meantime, CSA is in talks with Zimbabwe Cricket to organise a tri-series, likely involving Namibia national cricket team, to mark the inauguration of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium. If it goes ahead, the series could serve as a curtain-raiser for the proposed Africa Cup.

Provisional dates in August are being considered, with the series expected to be played in the ODI format as teams prepare for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. A portion of the revenue from the series is expected to go towards the ACA, helping build momentum for the continental tournament.

South Africa’s increased willingness to tour neighbouring countries has been evident over the past year. They played two Tests in Zimbabwe in mid-2025, their first such tour in 11 years, and also featured in a T20 tri-series alongside New Zealand.

Additionally, South Africa sent a second-string T20I side, featuring Quinton de Kock on his international comeback, to play at the new Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek last October. The venue has since hosted matches in the Under-19 World Cup and is set to be one of the nine venues for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

This growing regional cooperation comes as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia prepare to co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Most matches are expected to be held in South Africa, with Zimbabwe hosting games across two venues and Namibia hosting at one.