Cricket fans across Asia have watched some amazing matches over the years.
The Asia Cup brings together the best teams from our continent to compete for glory.
From nail-biting finishes to record-breaking performances, this tournament has given us countless memories.
Just like how people use the best calisthenics apps to track their fitness progress, cricket fans love to keep track of their favorite tournament’s history.
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 tells the story of four decades of Asian cricket excellence.
India leads the way with eight victories, followed by Sri Lanka with six titles. Pakistan has claimed the trophy twice, while Bangladesh continues to chase its first championship.
Every edition brings new heroes, unforgettable moments, and fierce rivalries that keep millions of fans glued to their screens.
Contents
- 1 Asia Cup Winners List
- 1.1 Asia Cup Overview
- 1.2 Asia Cup Tournament Results (1984-2025)
- 1.3 Country-Wise Asia Cup Titles
- 1.4 Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
- 1.5 Hosts and Venues by Year
- 1.6 Asia Cup Runners-Up List and Captains
- 1.7 ODI vs T20I: Format Evolution
- 1.8 Memorable Finals, Asia Cup Records & Historic Matches
- 1.9 Asia Cup Records and Key Statistics
- 1.10 Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
- 1.11 Beyond Cricket: Politics & Expansion
- 1.12 Asia Cup 2025 Preview
- 1.13 Frequently Asked Questions
- 1.14 Conclusion
Asia Cup Winners List
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Asia Cup history. You’ll learn about winning captains, host countries, memorable finals, and amazing records.
Whether you’re a new cricket fan or have been following the sport for years, this article will help you understand what makes the Asia Cup so special. Let’s dive into the complete story of Asia’s premier cricket tournament.
Asia Cup Overview
The Asia Cup started in 1984 as a simple idea – bring Asian cricket teams together for friendly competition.
The Asian Cricket Council organized the first tournament in the United Arab Emirates with just three teams participating.
Over the years, this small tournament grew into something much bigger. Today, it features six to eight teams and attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
The tournament takes place every two years, providing teams with regular opportunities to compete against their neighbors.
Key Facts About the Asia Cup:
- First Tournament: 1984 in the UAE
- Organizing Body: Asian Cricket Council (ACC)
- Current Teams: 6-8 nations, including qualifiers
- Frequency: Every 2 years, typically
- Formats: Both ODI and T20I matches
The tournament format has changed over time. Early editions used only 50-over matches (ODIs). In 2016, the first Twenty20 Asia Cup took place. The format now switches between ODI and T20I, based on upcoming World Cup preparations.
Asia Cup Tournament Results (1984-2025)
| Year | Format | Host(s) | Teams | Final Venue | Champions | Result | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | ODI | UAE | 3 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | India | Won via Round-robin format | Sri Lanka |
| 1986 | ODI | Sri Lanka | 3 | Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo | Sri Lanka | Won by 5 wickets (195/5 in 42.2 overs) | Pakistan (191/9 in 45 overs) |
| 1988 | ODI | Bangladesh | 4 | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka | India | Won by 6 wickets (180/4 in 37.1 overs) | Sri Lanka (176 in 43.5 overs) |
| 1990/91 | ODI | India | 3 | Eden Gardens, Calcutta | India | Won by 7 wickets (205/3 in 42.1 overs) | Sri Lanka (204/9 in 45 overs) |
| 1995 | ODI | UAE | 4 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | India | Won by 8 wickets (233/2 in 41.5 overs) | Sri Lanka (230/7 in 50 overs) |
| 1997 | ODI | Sri Lanka | 4 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Sri Lanka | Won by 8 wickets (240/2 in 36.5 overs) | India (239/7 in 50 overs) |
| 2000 | ODI | Bangladesh | 4 | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka | Pakistan | Won by 39 runs (277/4 in 50 overs) | Sri Lanka (238 in 45.2 overs) |
| 2004 | ODI | Sri Lanka | 6 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Sri Lanka | Won by 25 runs (228/9 in 50 overs) | India (203/9 in 50 overs) |
| 2008 | ODI | Pakistan | 6 | National Stadium, Karachi | Sri Lanka | Won by 100 runs (273 in 49.5 overs) | India (173 in 39.3 overs) |
| 2010 | ODI | Sri Lanka | 4 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | India | Won by 81 runs (268/6 in 50 overs) | Sri Lanka (187 in 44.4 overs) |
| 2012 | ODI | Bangladesh | 4 | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur | Pakistan | Won by 2 runs (236/9 in 50 overs) | Bangladesh (234/8 in 50 overs) |
| 2014 | ODI | Bangladesh | 5 | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur | Sri Lanka | Won by 5 wickets (261/5 in 46.2 overs) | Pakistan (260/5 in 50 overs) |
| 2016 | T20I | Bangladesh | 5 | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur | India | Won by 8 wickets (122/2 in 13.5 overs) | Bangladesh (120/5 in 15 overs) |
| 2018 | ODI | UAE | 6 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | India | Won by 3 wickets (223/7 in 50 overs) | Bangladesh (222 in 48.3 overs) |
| 2022 | T20I | UAE | 6 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Sri Lanka | Won by 23 runs (170/6 in 20 overs) | Pakistan (147 in 20 overs) |
| 2023 | ODI | Pakistan/Sri Lanka | 6 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | India | Won by 10 wickets (51/0 in 6.1 overs) | Sri Lanka (50 in 15.2 overs) |
| 2025 | T20I | UAE | 8 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | TBD | Tournament Ongoing | TBD |
Tournament Summary:
- Total Tournaments Completed: 16
- Most Successful Team: India (8 titles)
- Second Most Successful: Sri Lanka (6 titles)
- Third Most Successful: Pakistan (2 titles)
- Most Final Appearances: Sri Lanka (13 finals)
- Closest Final: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 2012 (2 runs margin)
- Biggest Victory Margin: Sri Lanka vs India, 2008 (100 runs)
- Lowest Total in Final: Sri Lanka 50 vs India, 2023
Recent Champions:
The 2023 tournament saw India dominate completely. Under captain Rohit Sharma, they won by 10 wickets in the final against Sri Lanka. Mohammed Siraj took 6 wickets for just 21 runs, one of the best bowling performances in Asia Cup history.
Country-Wise Asia Cup Titles
This table shows how many times each country has won and reached finals:
| Country | Titles Won | Runner-up | Total Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 8 | 3 | 11 |
| Sri Lanka | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Bangladesh | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Afghanistan | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What These Numbers Tell Us:
- Sri Lanka has reached the most finals (13) but has won fewer than India
- Bangladesh shows growing strength with three final appearances
- Pakistan has won both times they reached the finals in recent years
- Afghanistan continues to develop its cricket program
Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
Great captains make the difference in big tournaments. Here are the leaders who guided their teams to victory:
Most Successful Captains:
- Mohammad Azharuddin (India): 2 titles (1990-91, 1995)
- MS Dhoni (India): 2 titles (2010, 2016)
- Rohit Sharma (India): 2 titles (2018, 2023)
All Winning Captains:
| Year | Captain | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Rohit Sharma | India |
| 2022 | Dasun Shanaka | Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | Rohit Sharma | India |
| 2016 | MS Dhoni | India |
| 2014 | Angelo Mathews | Sri Lanka |
| 2012 | Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan |
| 2010 | MS Dhoni | India |
| 2008 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | Marvan Atapattu | Sri Lanka |
| 2000 | Moin Khan | Pakistan |
| 1997 | Arjuna Ranatunga | Sri Lanka |
| 1995 | Mohammad Azharuddin | India |
| 1990-91 | Mohammad Azharuddin | India |
| 1988 | Dilip Vengsarkar | India |
| 1986 | Duleep Mendis | Sri Lanka |
| 1984 | Sunil Gavaskar | India |
These captains showed smart thinking and calm leadership during pressure moments. MS Dhoni became famous for his cool approach in finals, while Rohit Sharma’s attacking style brought India recent success.
Hosts and Venues by Year
Different countries have taken turns hosting the Asia Cup. Some places have become famous for hosting multiple tournaments:
Most Frequent Hosts:
- Bangladesh: 5 times (1988, 2000, 2012, 2014, 2016)
- Sri Lanka: 4 times (1986, 1997, 2004, 2010)
- UAE: 4 times (1984, 1995, 2018, 2022, 2025)
- India: 1 time (1990-91)
- Pakistan: 1 time (2008)
Famous Venues:
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium: Hosted early tournaments, known for exciting finishes
- Shere Bangla Stadium (Dhaka): Bangladesh’s home venue for multiple finals
- R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo): Sri Lanka’s premier cricket ground
- Dubai International Stadium: Modern venue for recent T20 tournaments
The 2023 tournament introduced something new – hybrid hosting. Matches were split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to political situations. This might become more common in future tournaments.
Asia Cup Runners-Up List and Captains
Teams that reached finals but didn’t win still showed great cricket skills. Bangladesh deserves special mention for reaching three finals:
Runner-up Teams by Frequency:
- Sri Lanka: 7 times
- India: 3 times
- Pakistan: 3 times
- Bangladesh: 3 times
Notable Runner-up Captains:
| Year | Runner-up | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sri Lanka | Dasun Shanaka |
| 2022 | Pakistan | Babar Azam |
| 2018 | Bangladesh | Mashrafe Mortaza |
| 2016 | Bangladesh | Mashrafe Mortaza |
| 2012 | Bangladesh | Mushfiqur Rahim |
Bangladesh’s three final appearances (2012, 2016, 2018) show how much their cricket has improved. They came very close to winning, especially in 2012 when they lost by just 2 runs to Pakistan.
ODI vs T20I: Format Evolution
The Asia Cup started with 50-over matches and later added Twenty20 games. Understanding this change helps explain tournament history:
Format Timeline:
- 1984-2014: All tournaments used ODI format
- 2016: First T20I Asia Cup held in Bangladesh
- 2018: Returned to ODI format
- 2022: T20I format again
- 2023: ODI format for World Cup preparation
- 2025: T20I format planned
Format Success by Country:
ODI Champions:
- India: 6 titles
- Sri Lanka: 5 titles
- Pakistan: 2 titles
T20I Champions:
- India: 1 title (2016)
- Sri Lanka: 1 title (2022)
The format switch keeps tournaments fresh and helps teams prepare for World Cups. T20 games create more exciting finishes, while ODI matches test teams’ longer-game skills.
Memorable Finals, Asia Cup Records & Historic Matches
Some Asia Cup moments will never be forgotten. These matches created legends and broke records:
Greatest Individual Performances:
- Virat Kohli’s 183 vs Pakistan (2012): Highest individual score in Asia Cup history
- Ajantha Mendis 6/13 (2008 Final): Best bowling figures in a final
- Mohammed Siraj 6/21 (2023 Final): Destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting lineup
Most Exciting Finals:
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh (2012): Pakistan won by just 2 runs
- India vs Sri Lanka (2023): India won by 10 wickets
- Sri Lanka vs India (2008): Sri Lanka won by 100 runs
Team Records:
- Highest Final Score: Sri Lanka 273/4 vs Pakistan (2014)
- Biggest Win Margin: India beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets (2023)
- Most Final Appearances: Sri Lanka (13), India (11)
These records show the quality of cricket played at the Asia Cup level. Young players dream of creating similar moments for their countries.
Asia Cup Records and Key Statistics
Numbers tell important stories about player achievements and team success:
Top Run Scorers (All Time):
| Player | Country | Runs | Matches | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1,220 | 25 | 52.6 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 1,210 | 37 | 35.6 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1,075 | 24 | 47.8 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 971 | 23 | 48.6 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 830 | 25 | 36.1 |
Bowling Achievements:
- Most Wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 30 wickets
- Best Bowling in Final: Ajantha Mendis 6/13 (2008)
- Most Economical: Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) – 3.5 runs per over
Captaincy Records:
- Most Matches as Captain: MS Dhoni (India) – 15 matches
- Best Win Rate: Rohit Sharma (India) – 90% success rate
These statistics help us understand which players performed best under pressure. The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 shows how these individual performances contributed to team success.
Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
Women’s cricket in Asia has grown tremendously since 2004. The women’s Asia Cup showcases the region’s best female talent:
Women’s Champions:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Format | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sri Lanka | India | T20 | Sri Lanka |
| 2022 | India | Sri Lanka | T20 | Bangladesh |
| 2018 | Bangladesh | India | T20 | Malaysia |
| 2016 | India | Pakistan | T20 | Thailand |
| 2012 | India | Pakistan | T20 | China |
| 2008 | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka |
| 2006 | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | India |
| 2005-06 | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Pakistan |
| 2004 | India | Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka |
Women’s Cricket Highlights:
- India dominated early tournaments with 7 titles
- Sri Lanka’s 2024 victory marked its breakthrough moment
- Bangladesh won their first title in 2018, showing growth in women’s cricket
- The tournament moved to a T20 format to match global trends
Women’s Asia Cup proves that female cricketers in Asia can compete at the highest level. These tournaments inspire young girls to pick up cricket bats and dream big.
Beyond Cricket: Politics & Expansion
Cricket and politics sometimes mix in Asia Cup history. These challenges have shaped the tournament:
Political Challenges:
- 1986: India skipped the tournament due to tensions with Sri Lanka
- 1993: The Entire tournament was cancelled because of the India-Pakistan conflict
- 2023: Hybrid hosting model used when Pakistan couldn’t host normally
Tournament Expansion:
The Asia Cup has grown from 3 teams to 8 teams over four decades:
- Original Teams (1984): India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Early Addition: Bangladesh joined as a regular participant
- Recent Growth: Afghanistan, Nepal, and Hong Kong now compete in the qualifiers
- Associate Nations: UAE, Oman get opportunities through hosting
How the Tournament Adapts:
Despite political problems, the Asia Cup finds ways to continue. The hybrid hosting model allows cricket to happen even when countries have diplomatic issues. This flexibility keeps the tournament alive and growing.
The expansion to include more countries gives smaller cricket nations valuable experience. Playing against India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka helps these teams improve quickly.
Asia Cup 2025 Preview
The next Asia Cup happens in September 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. This tournament uses the T20 format and promises exciting cricket:
Tournament Details:
- Dates: September 9-28, 2025
- Format: Twenty20 Internationals
- Teams: 8 nations in two groups
- Venues: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Group Structure:
Group A:
- India
- Pakistan
- UAE
- Oman
Group B:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Hong Kong
What to Expect:
- India vs Pakistan: Always the biggest match of any Asia Cup
- Fast-paced cricket: T20 format means every ball matters
- World Cup preparation: Teams will test combinations for the upcoming T20 World Cup
- New heroes: Young players will get chances to shine on the big stage
The tournament format means every group match is important. Teams cannot afford slow starts because only the top teams from each group advance to the next round.
Cricket fans can expect high-scoring matches and last-ball finishes. The UAE’s excellent cricket facilities and fan-friendly timings will make this a memorable tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the first Asia Cup in 1984?
India won the inaugural Asia Cup in 1984 under captain Sunil Gavaskar. They defeated Sri Lanka in the final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
- Which team has won the most Asia Cup titles?
India has won 8 Asia Cup titles, making them the most successful team in tournament history. Their victories came in 1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023.
- Which captain has won the most Asia Cup tournaments?
Three captains share the record with 2 Asia Cup wins each: Mohammad Azharuddin (India), MS Dhoni (India), and Rohit Sharma (India).
- Has Bangladesh ever won the Asia Cup?
No, Bangladesh has not won the Asia Cup yet. However, they have reached the final three times (2012, 2016, 2018), showing their growing strength in Asian cricket.
- When did the T20 format start in Asia Cup?
The first T20I Asia Cup took place in 2016 in Bangladesh. Since then, the tournament alternates between ODI and T20I formats based on upcoming World Cup preparations.
- Which country has hosted the most Asia Cup tournaments?
Bangladesh has hosted the most Asia Cup editions, organizing the tournament 5 times. Sri Lanka and the UAE have each hosted 4 times.
- What is the highest individual score in Asia Cup history?
Virat Kohli holds the record with 183 runs against Pakistan in 2012. This remains the highest individual score by any batsman in Asia Cup history.
- When is the next Asia Cup scheduled?
The next Asia Cup is scheduled for September 9-28, 2025, in the United Arab Emirates. It will be played in T20I format with 8 teams participating.
- Has Afghanistan reached an Asia Cup final?
No, Afghanistan has not yet reached an Asia Cup final. They continue developing their cricket program and compete regularly in the tournament as an associate member.
- Which bowler has the best figures in an Asia Cup final?
Ajantha Mendis holds the record with bowling figures of 6 wickets for 13 runs against India in the 2008 final, helping Sri Lanka win the championship.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 tells an amazing story of four decades of Asian cricket.
From humble beginnings with three teams to today’s expanded tournament, the Asia Cup has become cricket’s most-watched regional competition.
India’s eight titles show their consistency and strength across different generations of players.
Sri Lanka’s six championships prove their cricket excellence, especially during the 1990s and 2000s.
Pakistan’s two victories came at crucial moments, while Bangladesh’s three final appearances show their rapid improvement.
Great captains like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammad Azharuddin have lifted trophies through smart leadership and calm decision-making.
Amazing individual performances by players like Virat Kohli, Ajantha Mendis, and Mohammed Siraj have created unforgettable memories.
The tournament has survived political challenges and continued growing. New countries join as cricket spreads across Asia.
The women’s tournament shows that female cricketers deserve equal recognition and support.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Asia Cup remains cricket’s most competitive regional tournament.
Whether you support India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or any other Asian team, this tournament provides the best cricket entertainment our continent offers.
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 will keep growing with new champions, records, and memorable moments.
That’s what makes following cricket in Asia so exciting.
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