Explore what the Asia Cup 2025 is all about! Dive into its rich history, winners list, teams, format, and why it’s a must-watch cricket event. Get updates on Asia Cup 2025 matches and live streaming.
Asia Cup 2025: Celebrating Asian Cricket’s Legacy
The Asia Cup 2025 is thrilling fans as the 17th edition of Asia’s premier cricket tournament unfolds in the UAE from September 9 to September 28, 2025. Organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup 2025 showcases top teams in a T20I format, serving as a key preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. With a storied history and iconic rivalries, the Asia Cup continues to captivate millions. Here’s a deep dive into the tournament’s history, winners, and what makes the Asia Cup unmissable.
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What is the Asia Cup 2025?
The Asia Cup 2025 is a biennial cricket championship featuring Asia’s top cricketing nations. Originally set to be hosted in India, it was shifted to Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to geopolitical tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The Asia Cup includes eight teams competing across 19 T20I matches, with the final scheduled for September 28 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. From India-Pakistan clashes to emerging teams’ breakthroughs, the Asia Cup is a cornerstone of global cricket.
History of the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup began in 1984 in Sharjah, UAE, with just three teams: India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Conceived by the ACC to promote cricket in the region, it has grown into a marquee event, expanding to include Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and associate nations like UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong. The Asia Cup 2025 marks the 17th edition, alternating between ODI and T20 formats to align with ICC World Cups. The tournament has been hosted across Asia and the UAE, with memorable moments like India’s 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in 2023. Political tensions, such as India-Pakistan disputes, have occasionally influenced hosting decisions, as seen in the Asia Cup relocation.
Asia Cup Winners List
The Asia Cup has seen 16 editions from 1984 to 2023, with India dominating the tally. Below is the complete winners list:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host | Format |
| 1984 | India | Sri Lanka | UAE | ODI |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 1988 | India | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 1990-91 | India | Sri Lanka | India | ODI |
| 1995 | India | Sri Lanka | UAE | ODI |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 2000 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 2008 | Sri Lanka | India | Pakistan/Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 2010 | India | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 2012 | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 2014 | India/Sri Lanka (shared) | Pakistan | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 2016 | India | Bangladesh | Bangladesh | T20 |
| 2018 | India | Bangladesh | UAE | ODI |
| 2022 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | UAE | T20 |
| 2023 | India | Sri Lanka | Pakistan/Sri Lanka | ODI |
- India: 8 titles (1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)
- Sri Lanka: 6 titles (1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, 2022)
- Pakistan: 2 titles (2000, 2012)
- Note: The 2014 title was shared between India and Sri Lanka due to a rain-affected final.
The Asia Cup 2025 aims to add a new chapter, with India and Pakistan favored to compete for the title.
Teams and Format of Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup features eight teams in two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong
The format includes:
- Group Stage: Round-robin matches within each group.
- Super Four: Top two teams from each group advance to a second round-robin.
- Final: Top two Super Four teams play on September 28 in Dubai.
The Asia Cup is a vital platform for teams to fine-tune strategies for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Key Highlights of Asia Cup 2025
The tournament has sparked excitement with:
- India vs. Pakistan: The September 14, 2025, clash in Dubai, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha, is a global highlight.
- Opening Matches: Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh and Pakistan’s 93-run rout of Oman set the tone.
- Controversy: Boycott calls in India due to the Pahalgam attack have led to a low-key BCCI presence.
How to Watch Asia Cup 2025
Catch the Asia Cup 2025 live:
- TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (India), PTV Sports HD (Pakistan), TNT Sports 1 (UK).
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV and FanCode (India), Tapmad and Myco (Pakistan), Discovery+ (UK).
- Venues: Dubai International Cricket Stadium (11 matches, including final) and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (8 matches).
Conclusion
The Asia Cup is a celebration of cricket’s passion, history, and rivalries in Asia. From its 1984 debut to the thrilling T20 battles today, the tournament remains a global spectacle. With a rich winners list led by India and fierce competition in the Asia Cup 2025, fans are in for a treat. Follow The Interview Times for live updates and in-depth coverage of this iconic event.