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.
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 has also made the Asia Cup a major focus for cricket followers across the region. Its scale, changing formats, and unpredictable fixtures have added to the tournament’s appeal, while traditional rivalries such as India vs Pakistan continue to draw significant attention alongside the growing competitiveness of teams such as Afghanistan.
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 (एशिया कप हिन्दी समीक्षा). IndiaBetMaster.com covers the tournament through its history, format, teams, rivalries, and key storylines, giving cricket followers an informative and engaging overview of the competition.
Is the Asia Cup T20 or ODI Cricket Format? The Asia Cup has used both One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) formats at different editions. The tournament format has varied according to the international cricket calendar, with the competition switching between ODIs and T20s in different years. This has allowed teams to prepare for major global tournaments while giving fans a chance to see the region’s leading sides compete across different formats.
Current Season
September brought the Asia Cup 2025 back under the spotlight, with the tournament held in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September. The Asian Cricket Council 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-profile India-Pakistan clash on 14 September and then the final on 28 September. India entered the tournament as defending champions, while Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were among the teams looking to challenge for the title.
The choice of the UAE as host was not accidental. The tournament was originally expected to be staged in India, but logistical and political considerations led to the UAE being selected as the venue. The Emirates had already established itself as a regular host for major Asian cricket events, offering established international facilities and convenient travel links for the participating teams. Ticket prices started from AED 40 for matches in Abu Dhabi and AED 50 for matches in Dubai, while the India-Pakistan fixture was initially included in a seven-match package starting at AED 1,400.
Dubai International Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi provided the main settings for the tournament, with 11 matches played in Dubai and eight in Abu Dhabi. The schedule was heavily weighted toward evening fixtures, with 18 of the 19 matches starting at 6:30pm local time and only the UAE-Oman group match on 15 September beginning earlier. Playing under the lights remained a familiar feature of the tournament, with conditions in the UAE making toss decisions and late-innings strategy an important part of match planning.
Television and digital broadcasting drew intense attention. Sony Sports held the broadcast rights in India, while every match was available to stream live on SonyLIV. Sony's wider agreement with the Asian Cricket Council covers ACC tournaments through 2031 and was reported at approximately $170 million. The India-Pakistan fixtures were among the tournament's major broadcast attractions, adding substantial commercial interest around the competition.
Two of the eight participating teams, Oman and Hong Kong, added further variety to the expanded field. The compressed schedule squeezed 19 matches into 20 days, leaving limited recovery time between fixtures and creating a continuous run of cricket. India eventually won the tournament by defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final, securing a record ninth Asia Cup title. The reported winner's prize was USD 300,000, while Pakistan received USD 75,000 as runners-up.
Financially, the tournament played a significant role beyond the cricket itself. Pakistan's participation was particularly important from a revenue perspective, with reports during the tournament estimating that the Pakistan Cricket Board could earn between USD 12 million and USD 16 million from the event through its share of ACC revenues and related commercial income. The figure became relevant when Pakistan considered withdrawing from the competition during the controversy surrounding the handshake incident and match referee Andy Pycroft, although the team ultimately remained in the tournament.
The tournament also became notable for the wider India-Pakistan tensions surrounding several matches. India and Pakistan met three times during the competition, with India winning all three encounters. The teams did not shake hands during their meetings, and the controversy continued into the final presentation ceremony, when India's players declined to accept the winners' trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi. The episode added a significant off-field dimension to an Asia Cup that had already attracted intense attention across South Asia.
Ongoing October 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
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ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | LIVE |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Winners vs ROI FC | October 1–4, 2026 | |
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Irani Cup FC | October 1–5, 2026 | |
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National Cricket League (NCL) FC | October 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026 | LIVE |
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Vinoo Mankad Trophy List A | October 8–27, 2026 | LIVE |
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Tour | October 9, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Trophy T20 | October 9–26, 2026 | |
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Ranji Trophy FC | October 11, 2026 – March 3, 2027 | |
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Col CK Nayudu Trophy Multi-Day | October 12, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | |
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India vs New Zealand Tour | October 22, 2026 – December 1, 2026 | |
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Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Senior Women's T20 Trophy T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 | |
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Bangladesh vs West Indies Test | October 28, 2026 – November 9, 2026 | |
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Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) T20 | October 29, 2026 – December 5, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Challenger Trophy T20 | October 30, 2026 – November 5, 2026 |
Ongoing October 2026 Events
|
ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
|
ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
|
Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | |
|
South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Col CK Nayudu Winners vs ROI FC | October 1–4, 2026 | |
|
Irani Cup FC | October 1–5, 2026 | |
|
National Cricket League (NCL) FC | October 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Vinoo Mankad Trophy List A | October 8–27, 2026 | LIVE |
|
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Tour | October 9, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
|
Women's U19 T20 Trophy T20 | October 9–26, 2026 | |
|
Ranji Trophy FC | October 11, 2026 – March 3, 2027 | |
|
Col CK Nayudu Trophy Multi-Day | October 12, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | |
|
India vs New Zealand Tour | October 22, 2026 – December 1, 2026 | |
|
Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Senior Women's T20 Trophy T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 | |
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Bangladesh vs West Indies Test | October 28, 2026 – November 9, 2026 | |
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Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) T20 | October 29, 2026 – December 5, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Challenger Trophy T20 | October 30, 2026 – November 5, 2026 |
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.
Past Asia Cup Editions
- United Arab Emirates (2025)
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.
- Pakistan and Sri Lanka (2023)
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.
- United Arab Emirates (2022)
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.
- United Arab Emirates (2018)
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 all out in 48.3 overs, and the match ended at 223/7 in 50 overs.
- Bangladesh (2016)
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.
- Bangladesh (2014)
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.
- Bangladesh (2012)
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.
- Sri Lanka (2010)
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.
- Pakistan (2008)
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.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | India | Pakistan | India won by 5 wickets | United Arab Emirates |
| 2023 | India | Sri Lanka | India won by 10 wickets | Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
| 2022 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Sri Lanka won by 23 runs | United Arab Emirates |
| 2018 | India | Bangladesh | India won by 3 wickets | United Arab Emirates |
| 2016 | India | Bangladesh | India won by 8 wickets | Bangladesh |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | Bangladesh |
| 2012 | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Pakistan won by 2 runs | Bangladesh |
| 2010 | India | Sri Lanka | India won by 81 runs | Sri Lanka |
| 2008 | Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka won by 100 runs | Pakistan |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka won by 25 runs | Sri Lanka |
| 2000 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 39 runs | Bangladesh |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets | Sri Lanka |
| 1995 | India | Sri Lanka | India won by 8 wickets | United Arab Emirates |
| 1990-1991 | India | Sri Lanka | India won by 7 wickets | India |
| 1988 | India | Sri Lanka | India won by 6 wickets | Bangladesh |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | Sri Lanka |
| 1984 | India | Sri Lanka | India topped the round-robin table | United Arab Emirates |
History and Structure
The first Rothmans Asia Cup was held in 1984 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, which was 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 played the opening match. India won the tournament with two victories, followed by Sri Lanka, which finished second with one win over Pakistan, while Pakistan, which lost both of its games, finished third.
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, while also providing a major regional tournament on the international cricket calendar and serving at times as preparation for major global 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 included the four Asian countries that played Test cricket at the time. India and Sri Lanka advanced to the final after winning their respective matches in the round-robin stage. India won the event for the first time in fifteen years as they defeated Sri Lanka in the final to become the fifth-time winner. The tournament's Player of the Series 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 by two runs to win their second Asia Cup.
The Asia Cup has alternated between ODI and T20I formats depending on the international cricket calendar, with the 2016 edition becoming the first to be played as a T20I tournament. 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, particularly when the ICC Cricket World Cup or ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled.
The Asia Cup began with three teams and has since expanded to include Full Member and Associate Member countries of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The participation of teams like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and other developing cricketing nations has made the competition more diverse and competitive. 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 reflects the deep-rooted history and intense rivalries that have shaped cricket in Asia. What began as a regional competition has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the cricket calendar, bringing leading teams from across the continent together to compete for the title. Alongside the high-quality cricket, the tournament provides a stage for established players and emerging talent to make their mark.
Beyond the boundaries of the pitch, the Asia Cup highlights the unifying power of sport, fostering pride and a sense of togetherness among the participating nations. With a history shaped by memorable matches, regional rivalries and a strong competitive spirit, the Asia Cup remains an important part of the cricketing landscape as the sport continues to grow across the continent.
Did You Know
