DUBAI, Nov 8: The 2007 and 2008 Afro-Asia Cups are set in International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program and like 2005 season are granted full ODI status. Syed Ashraful Huq, Chief Executive of Asian Cricket Council, in an statement on Wednesday, said: “To have the best available cricketers of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh come together in one team to represent spirit of Asian fraternity and co-operation is hugely significant in itself.”

“Representing their countries and their continent brought out the best in them as it did for the Africans. We can expect Afro-Asia cricket at Mohali to be intensely competitive.''

Players for 2007 & 2008 Afro-Asia Cups will be selected after conclusion of World Cup in 2007. Asia's selection will be done by a panel of cricketing icons from across the continent.

Women's Twenty20 will be chosen from the best players of Africa and Asia ‘A’ Teams' and will feature a number of prominent internationals and rising stars.

Peter Chingoka, President Africa Cricket Association (ACA), said: “We are thankful to the Boards for making their players available and the potential line-up of talent is remarkable. The funds raised by those in public eye at the very top will go a long way in securing future growth and development of the game.

“Since 2005 the Afro-Asia funds have been used across Africa in setting up coaching programs and competitions for girls, boys, providing facilities and equipment to numerous countries and clubs across Africa. The same is true for Asia. With this Afro-Asia Cup being held in India, benefits to our cause will be even greater.” —Agencies