Asia Cup
Every two years Asian nations compete in the Asia Cup (also known as ACC Men’s Asia Cup), a premier tournament in men’s international cricket played in either one-day (50 overs) or twenty20 (20 overs) format. Established under the Asian Cricket Council in 1983 to promote sporting ties among Asian countries, this is the flagship continental event that crowns the champion of Asia.
The 2025 edition was held from September 9 to September 28 in the United Arab Emirates in the T20 format. In the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets, securing their ninth Asia Cup title, and retained the crown they won in 2023. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 and a tense chase under pressure were among the standout moments in the final.
Type: Twenty20 International (T20I)
Title Holder: India
First Edition: 1984
Last Edition: 2025
Introduction
The Asia Cup, officially known as the Asian Men’s Cricket Championship, has grown into one of the most celebrated tournaments in the cricketing calendar. Since its launch in 1984, it has united powerhouse teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal in contests that are as much about regional pride as they are about the sport itself. Beyond the fierce rivalries and unforgettable moments, the competition has carried a symbolic value of cultural exchange and sporting goodwill, reflecting how cricket can bridge divides across nations.
Over the years, the Asia Cup has shifted between ODI and T20 formats, ensuring that it stays in tune with the evolving rhythm of international cricket. This adaptability has kept fans engaged and given teams vital preparation for global tournaments. At the same time, it has become a significant commercial event, with high-profile sponsors, prime broadcasting slots, and prize money that underscores its importance. For players, it is a stage to etch their names into the record books; for supporters, it is a chance to witness the kind of high-intensity matches that have produced some of cricket’s most enduring memories.
The excitement around the tournament also feeds directly into Asia Cup 2025 online betting in India, where the event’s scale and unpredictability make it a major focus for fans. Leading Asia Cup 2025 betting sites in India highlight not only the traditional rivalries, such as India vs Pakistan, but also the rise of competitive teams like Afghanistan, making every fixture an intriguing opportunity for bettors and enthusiasts alike.
Readers who prefer to follow the same story in Hindi can dive into a version of this article that adds cultural context and insights into the upcoming season, alongside tips that help connect the passion for cricket with informed betting choices (एशिया कप हिन्दी समीक्षा). IndiaBetMaster.com ensures that whether you are following the tournament as a devoted fan or exploring its betting dimensions, the coverage gives you everything you need in a trusted and engaging way.
Is Asia Cup Cricket T20 or ODI?
The Asia Cup was once intended to be a One Day International (ODI) competition. Still, it has since changed to incorporate the Twenty20 (T20) format to keep up with the worldwide trend of shorter, faster-paced cricket matches. Fans are also kept more excited by the format, which rotates between ODIs and T20s to ensure that teams are tested in various formats.
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Current Season
September brought the Asia Cup 2025 back under the spotlight, and in that edition the tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September. The Asian Cricket Council had expanded the field to eight teams, with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman and hosts UAE all participating. The group phase was followed by a Super Four round that decided the finalists, with the Dubai International Stadium hosting the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan on 14 September and then the final on 28 September. With India chasing a ninth title and Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh aiming to upset the plans, the stakes were high each night under the lights.
The choice of the UAE as host was not accidental. Originally, the rotation would have pointed toward India, but political complications and logistical hurdles led the council to pick a neutral venue. The Emirates had already earned a reputation as a trusted hub for Asian tournaments, offering world class facilities, manageable travel for many teams, and night schedules aligned with prime time in South Asia. Ticketing had been pitched affordably (entry began from as low as AED 40 in Abu Dhabi and AED 50 in Dubai) a deliberate strategy given the large Indian and Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, which had practically guaranteed strong crowds when archrivals faced off.
Dubai’s 25,000-seater and Abu Dhabi’s similarly sized grounds vibrated with drums, chants and colorful displays from enthusiastic diaspora fans. Families, expatriates and traveling supporters turned the event into a cultural fest as much as a sporting spectacle. Dew under desert lights again complicated toss decisions and match strategy, especially during later overs.
Television and digital broadcasting drew intense attention. Sony Sports held the broadcast rights in India, and every ball streamed live on SonyLIV. Advertising rates skyrocketed; 10-second spots in India matches were pegged around ₹14-16 lakh, and for the India-Pakistan match rates climbed further. DP World remained title sponsor, while brands across South Asia lined up to secure visibility, especially during high-profile fixtures. SonyLIV had bet heavily, it paid $170 million for multi-year broadcast rights and saw Asia Cup 2025 as a flagship event to boost subscriptions and ad revenues. The India-Pakistan clash was seen as the centerpiece to test that gamble.
Two newcomers, Oman and Hong Kong, featured in the expansion, adding fresh narrative possibilities and occasional surprises. The compressed schedule squeezed 19 matches into 20 days, leaving little rest and ensuring continuous action. The champions earned a reported USD 300,000 (≈ ₹2.6 crore), with the runner up taking USD 150,000, a healthy boost over previous editions.
Financially the tournament played a larger role beyond sport. Pakistan’s cricket board stood to earn around 1.1 billion Pakistani rupees (≈ INR 340 million) from ACC distributions tied to the event, broken down to a per-match share for its guaranteed fixtures. At the same time, there had been internal controversy: Pakistan risked losing USD 12–16 million had they withdrawn over the “handshake row” controversy. On the political side, decisions about whether to host the India-Pakistan matches drew criticism, with some voices questioning whether sport should proceed amid broader national sentiments.
The tournament reignited the cricketing fervor among South Asia’s diaspora on the cultural level. Streets near screening venues lit up late into the night, and public viewings in malls and cafes drew crowds. In India, celebrations spilled into cities, especially after such a high-stakes final. The Asia Cup 2025 thus served as both a sporting spectacle and a reminder of cricket’s unifying power across borders, even amid tensions.
| Date | Stage | Team 1 | Team 2 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-09-2025 | Group Stage | United Arab Emirates | India | 57 - 60/1 |
| 14-09-2025 | Group Stage | India | Pakistan | 131/3 - 127/9 |
| 19-09-2025 | Group Stage | India | Oman | 188/8 - 167/4 |
| 20-09-2025 | Super Four | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 168/7 - 169/6 |
| 21-09-2025 | Super Four | India | Pakistan | 174/4 - 171/5 |
| 23-09-2025 | Super Four | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 138/5 - 133/8 |
| 24-09-2025 | Super Four | India | Bangladesh | 168/6 - 127 |
| 25-09-2025 | Super Four | Pakistan | Bangladesh | 135/8 - 124/9 |
| 26-09-2025 | Super Four | India | Sri Lanka | 202/5 - 202/5 |
| 28-09-2025 | Final | India | Pakistan | 150/5 - 146 |
Ongoing October-2025 Events
| Event | Type | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) | Test cricket | 20-06-2025 | 15-06-2027 |
 Minor League Cricket (MiLC) | Twenty20 (T20) | 28-08-2025 | 05-10-2025 |
 National Cricket League Twenty20 (NCL T20) | Twenty20 (T20) | 15-09-2025 | 04-10-2025 |
| ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup | One-Day International (ODI) | 30-09-2025 | 02-11-2025 |
  Chappell-Hadlee Trophy | One-Day International (ODI) / Twenty20 International (T20I) | 01-10-2025 | 04-10-2025 |
 Irani Cup | First-class cricket | 01-10-2025 | 05-10-2025 |
 India vs West Indies | Test cricket | 02-10-2025 | 14-10-2025 |
| Senior Women’s T20 Trophy – Elite | Twenty20 (T20) | 08-10-2025 | 31-10-2025 |
| Senior Women’s T20 Trophy – Plate | Twenty20 (T20) | 08-10-2025 | 17-10-2025 |
| Vinoo Mankad Trophy – Elite | List A cricket | 09-10-2025 | 01-11-2025 |
| Vinoo Mankad Trophy – Plate | List A cricket | 09-10-2025 | 19-10-2025 |
  Pakistan vs South Africa | Cricket tour | 12-10-2025 | 08-11-2025 |
| Ranji Trophy – Elite | First-class cricket | 15-10-2025 | 28-02-2026 |
| Ranji Trophy – Plate | First-class cricket | 15-10-2025 | 26-01-2026 |
| Col CK Nayudu Trophy – Elite | Multi-day cricket | 16-10-2025 | 12-03-2026 |
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Previous Seasons
Top Asian teams have competed strongly in this event, which has been contested in various forms since its inception in 1984 and has been hosted by different nations. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India have all been strong competitors; India won the first competition in 1984 and went on to win several more times in the years that followed. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have seen some success as well; Pakistan won in 2000, while Sri Lanka captured the title in 1986, 1997, and 2004. The tight margins of victory in several of the games highlighted the intense competition and huge stakes surrounding the Asia Cup.
2008 (Pakistan)
The 9th edition of Asia Cup was held in Pakistan in 2008. This Asia Cup had six teams and was held at the National Stadium in Karachi. Sri Lanka triumphed, beating India by a margin of 100 runs. India was bowled out for 173 runs in 39.3 overs, demonstrating a strong performance by the Sri Lankan team, which scored 273 runs in 49.5 overs.
2010 (Sri Lanka)
The 10th edition of the Asia Cup was held in Sri Lanka in 2010. The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla served as the tournament's final match host site. In the end, India defeated Sri Lanka by an impressive 81 runs. India won handily after posting a strong score of 268/6 in 50 overs and dismissing Sri Lanka for 187 runs in 44.4 overs.
2012 (Bangladesh)
The 11th edition of the Asia Cup was hosted by Bangladesh in 2012. At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by a narrow margin of two runs to win the tournament in the final match. Bangladesh put up a valiant fight but was ultimately defeated, finishing their innings at 234/8 in 50 overs, while Pakistan scored 236/9 in 50 overs. Pakistan's dramatic victory and the match's tight end will live on in memory.
2014 (Bangladesh)
The 12th edition of the Asia Cup was again hosted by Bangladesh in 2014. This edition’s final, which was once more held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, saw Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan by 5 wickets. With impressive batting efforts, Sri Lanka easily defeated Pakistan's goal of 260/5 in 50 overs, achieving 261/5 in 46.2 overs.
2016 (Bangladesh)
The 13th edition of the Asia Cup was again hosted by Bangladesh in 2016. The final of this edition was held at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur and the competition marked the first Asia Cup in T20I format. India won the match against Bangladesh by eight wickets after dominating the match. India easily chased Bangladesh's total of 120/5 in 15 overs, posting 122/2 in just 13.5 overs behind a strong batting effort.
2018 (United Arab Emirates)
The 14th edition of the Asia Cup was hosted by United Arab Emirates in 2018. The International Cricket Stadium in Dubai served as the tournament's host venue for the final match. India defeated Bangladesh in the final by a slim margin of three wickets. India reached the mark with three wickets left after Bangladesh scored 222/48.3 overs, and the match ended at 223/7 in 50 overs.
2022 (United Arab Emirates)
The 15th edition of the Asia Cup was also hosted by the United Arab Emirates in 2022. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the final by a margin of 23 runs in this T20I tournament, which was also played in Dubai. Sri Lanka won the match well-deservedly as they scored 170/6 in 20 overs whereas Pakistan only managed to score 147/10 in the same amount of time.
2023 (Pakistan and Sri Lanka)
The 16th edition of the Asia Cup was hosted by two countries: Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2023. In the most recent match, India defeated Sri Lanka by a commanding 10-wicket margin at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In one of the most unbalanced finals in Asia Cup history, Sri Lanka was bowled out for just 50 runs in 15.2 overs, while India easily chased down the goal, scoring 51/0 in 6.1 overs.
2025 (United Arab Emirates)
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup was hosted entirely in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September 2025. In the final match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to secure their ninth Asia Cup crown and second consecutive title. Pakistan posted 146 all out in 19.1 overs, and India successfully chased the target with 150/5 in 19.4 overs, sealing the win in dramatic fashion. Unlike the one-sided 2023 final, the 2025 clash kept fans on edge until the last over, making it one of the most thrilling finishes in recent Asia Cup history.
History & Structure
The first Rothmans Asia Cup was held in 1984 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, which is home to the newly established Asian Cricket Council headquarters. It was a round-robin competition between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a recent addition to the ICC, played the opening match. India became victorious from the tournament with two wins, followed by Sri Lanka, which finished second with one win over Pakistan, while Pakistan, who lost both of its games, was eliminated.
The Asia Cup is a celebration of cricket in Asia, highlighting the intense rivalries and relationships between the participating countries, rather than merely a cricket match. The competition has grown to be an important forum for players to showcase their abilities to a worldwide audience, frequently acting as a warm-up to major international competitions such as the T20 World Cup or the ICC World Cup.
The Asia Cup was hosted in Sri Lanka for the fourth time during the tenth edition, which took place from June 15–24, 2010. There were seven matches played in all, including the final, and it only included the four Asian countries that play Test cricket. India and Sri Lanka advanced to the final after winning their respective groups. India won the event for the first time in fifteen years as they easily defeated Sri Lanka in the final to become the fifth-time winner. The tournament's Player of the Year was Shahid Afridi.
March 11–22, 2012, saw the eleventh edition of the Asia Cup take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladesh, who had defeated both India and Sri Lanka to secure their spot in the tournament's final for the first time, joined Pakistan in the eleventh edition's final. After a dramatic final over, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh to win their second Asia Cup.
It was declared that Asia Cup competitions will be held in both ODI and T20I formats on a rotating basis following the Asian Cricket Council's dissolution by the ICC in 2015. Consequently, the 2016 events, which took place five days before the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, were the inaugural T20I competition. From February 24 to March 6, 2016, Bangladesh hosted the Asia Cup event for the third time in its history. The date of the final was March 6, 2016. In the final match, which took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in the Mirpur neighborhood of Dhaka, Bangladesh, India defeated Bangladesh by 8 wickets. India won the Asia Cup for the sixth time in its history in 2016.
The event has changed a lot throughout the years. The Asia Cup was first played as a One Day International (ODI) competition before introducing the Twenty20 (T20) format in 2016 to correspond with the growing popularity of shorter-format cricket throughout the world. Because of its dual format, the competition can alternate between Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and One-day Internationals (ODIs) based on the international cricket calendar, namely when the ICC Cricket World Cup or ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled.
The Asia Cup began with three teams and has since grown to include Fuller Member and Associate Member countries of the Asia-Pacific Community (ACC). The competition has been made more competitive and diverse by the participation of teams like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other developing cricketing nations. The history of the competition is filled with great team and player performances that have had a lasting impact on Asian cricket, as well as fierce rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan.
Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup is evidence of the deep-rooted history and intense rivalries that characterize cricket in Asia. It began as a small competition but has grown over the years to become one of the most anticipated events on the cricket calendar worldwide, bringing together the top teams in the area to compete for dominance. In addition to providing exciting cricketing action, the competition gives both seasoned players and up-and-coming talent a stage on which to display their skills.
Beyond the boundaries of the pitch, the Asia Cup emphasizes the unifying force of sport by fostering a sense of pride and togetherness among the participant nations. The Asia Cup, loved by players and spectators alike for its history, thrill, and competitive spirit, will surely remain a mainstay of the cricketing scene throughout Asia as the sport continues to gain popularity on the continent.
Bet on Asia Cup (Asian Men’s Cricket Championships)
Cricket’s most spirited showdowns always seem to culminate in the Asia Cup, where fierce rivalries and regional pride collide in thrilling, high-stakes action. Betting on the Asia Cup brings a dynamic blend of excitement and anticipation to the cricket season, and you’ll find clear guidance right here at IndiaBetMaster.com to help you navigate your wagers with confidence. Whether you're curious about match odds or exploring strategy through Asia Cup betting guide India, the right insight makes wagering smooth and intuitive.
Is it legal to bet on the Asia Cup in India? The answer is nuanced. India’s federal laws around betting are rooted in the Public Gambling Act of 1867, and each state can add its own restrictions or permissions. Typically, the safest route is through offshore sites offering platforms tailored to Indian users, something explained in detail in our Asia Cup bet India coverage. While legality isn’t the focus, it’s important to note that doing your homework before engaging is always wise.
Of course, accessibility of betting has improved in recent times. Within the evolving scene, you’ll find more user-friendly interfaces, broader odds markets, and clearer explanations of bet types, making it easier than ever for fans to place bets on matches as they unfold. The Asia Cup’s unique mix of unpredictable outcomes and regional matchups lends itself well to strategic betting - and with the guidance available here, you’ll feel like you’re in the stands, reading the game as it turns.
Did You Know
