Cricket is more than just a game in Asia. It brings millions of people together from different countries.
The Asia Cup stands as one of cricket’s biggest tournaments in the region. Since 1984, this competition has created amazing moments that fans still remember today.
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 shows us how cricket has grown over the years.
We see legendary captains, record-breaking games, and exciting finals.
India leads with eight wins, Sri Lanka has six victories, and Pakistan has won twice. This tournament always gives us high-quality cricket entertainment.
Whether you love cricket or are just starting to learn about it, knowing the complete history helps you understand Asian cricket better.
Just like how fitness enthusiasts might look for the best calisthenics apps to track their progress, cricket fans want to track their favorite teams’ journey through four decades of competition.
Contents
- 1 Asia Cup Winners List
- 1.1 Asia Cup Overview
- 1.2 Asia Cup Tournament Results (1984-2025)
- 1.3 Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
- 1.4 Hosts and Venues by Year
- 1.5 Asia Cup Runners-Up List and Captains
- 1.6 ODI vs T20I: Format Evolution
- 1.7 Memorable Finals, Asia Cup Records & Historic Matches
- 1.8 Asia Cup Records and Key Statistics
- 1.9 Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
- 1.10 Beyond Cricket: Politics & Expansion
- 1.11 Asia Cup 2025 Preview
- 1.12 Conclusion:
- 1.13 Frequently Asked Questions
Asia Cup Winners List
This guide will take you through every winner, captain, and memorable moment. You’ll learn about format changes, host countries, and what makes this tournament so special. We’ll also look at upcoming matches and what to expect in the future.
Asia Cup Overview
The Asia Cup represents the top cricket competition in Asia. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) organizes this important tournament. It has grown a lot since 1984 when only three teams played.
Key Tournament Facts:
- First tournament: 1984 in UAE
- Organized by: Asian Cricket Council (ACC)
- Current format: Changes between ODI and T20I
- Teams: 6-8 teams, including qualifiers
- How often: Every 2 years, usually
- Most wins: India with 8 titles
The tournament has changed a lot over time. It started as One Day International (ODI) matches only. Now it includes Twenty20 International (T20I) games too. This makes it more exciting for modern cricket fans.
The format keeps changing to match what fans want to see. Teams must be good at both short and long formats. This tests how deep their squad is and how smart their tactics are.
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
Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
Good leadership is very important in tournament wins. Here are the captains who won:
| Year | Team | Winning Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | India | Rohit Sharma |
| 2022 | Sri Lanka | Dasun Shanaka |
| 2018 | India | Rohit Sharma |
| 2016 | India | MS Dhoni |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | Angelo Mathews |
| 2012 | Pakistan | Misbah-ul-Haq |
| 2010 | India | MS Dhoni |
| 2008 | Sri Lanka | Mahela Jayawardene |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka | Marvan Atapattu |
| 2000 | Pakistan | Moin Khan |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka | Arjuna Ranatunga |
| 1995 | India | Mohammad Azharuddin |
| 1990-91 | India | Mohammad Azharuddin |
| 1988 | India | Dilip Vengsarkar |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka | Duleep Mendis |
| 1984 | India | Sunil Gavaskar |
Most Successful Captains:
- Mohammad Azharuddin (India): 2 titles
- MS Dhoni (India): 2 titles
- Rohit Sharma (India): 2 titles
These captains showed great leadership during pressure situations. They made smart decisions that helped their teams win.
Hosts and Venues by Year
The Asia Cup has moved around different Asian countries. Some nations have hosted many times:
Hosting History:
- Bangladesh: Most frequent host (6 times)
- Sri Lanka: Regular host (5 times)
- UAE: Popular neutral venue (4 times)
- India: Hosted twice
- Pakistan: Hosted once
Notable Venues:
- Sharjah: Traditional Asia Cup ground
- Colombo: Famous Sri Lankan cricket stadium
- Dhaka: Bangladesh’s cricket center
- Dubai: Modern cricket facility
The 2023 tournament used a new hosting model. Matches were split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to political reasons. This shows how the tournament adapts to regional challenges.
Asia Cup Runners-Up List and Captains
Looking at the runners-up helps us understand teams that came close to winning:
Bangladesh’s Final Appearances:
- 2012: Lost to Pakistan by 2 runs (Captain: Mushfiqur Rahim)
- 2016: Lost to India (Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza)
- 2018: Lost to India (Captain: Mashrafe Mortaza)
Most Final Appearances as Runner-up:
- Sri Lanka: 7 times
- India: 3 times
- Bangladesh: 3 times
- Pakistan: 3 times
Bangladesh’s three final appearances show their amazing progress in Asian cricket. Even though they haven’t won yet, they’re getting stronger.
ODI vs T20I: Format Evolution
The Asia Cup format has changed to match modern cricket trends:
Format Timeline:
- 1984-2014: All ODI tournaments
- 2016: First T20I Asia Cup
- 2018: Return to ODI format
- 2022: Second T20I edition
- 2023: ODI format
- 2025: T20I format (planned)
Format Champions:
- ODI Champions: India (6), Sri Lanka (4), Pakistan (2)
- T20I Champions: India (1), Sri Lanka (1)
The changing format system means teams must be good at both short and long games. This tests their squad depth and tactical skills.
Memorable Finals, Asia Cup Records & Historic Matches
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 includes many unforgettable moments:
Record-Breaking Performances:
- Highest Individual Score: Virat Kohli’s 183 vs Pakistan (2012)
- Best Bowling Figures: Ajantha Mendis 6/13 vs India (2008 Final)
- Recent Heroics: Mohammed Siraj 6/21 vs Sri Lanka (2023 Final)
Closest Finals:
- 2012: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by just 2 runs
- Many tight finishes show competitive balance
Easy Victories:
- 2008: Sri Lanka won by 100 runs vs India
- 2023: India won by 10 wickets vs Sri Lanka
These matches show why cricket is so unpredictable. The Asia Cup remains exciting for fans worldwide because anything can happen.
Asia Cup Records and Key Statistics
Top Run-Scorers in Asia Cup History:
| Player | Country | Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1,220 | 25 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 1,210 | 37 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1,075 | 24 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 971 | 23 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 830 | 25 |
Bowling Records:
- Most Wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (30 wickets)
- Best Economy Rate: Various bowlers with great performances
These numbers show the individual excellence that makes the Asia Cup so exciting over the years.
Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
The Women’s Asia Cup has grown a lot since 2004:
| 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 |
India has ruled women’s cricket in Asia. But Sri Lanka’s recent win shows that competition is growing stronger.
Beyond Cricket: Politics & Expansion
The Asia Cup has faced many challenges:
Political Challenges:
- 1986: India didn’t play due to tensions with Sri Lanka
- 1993: Tournament cancelled due to India-Pakistan tensions
- 2023: Hybrid model used due to political considerations
Tournament Growth:
- Started with 3 teams in 1984
- Now has 8 teams, including Afghanistan and other nations
- Keeps expanding despite political challenges
These challenges show how sport can be affected by politics. But it also helps bring countries together.
Asia Cup 2025 Preview
The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 promises exciting cricket:
Tournament Details:
- Dates: September 9-28, 2025
- Host: United Arab Emirates
- Format: T20I
- Teams: 8 teams in two groups
Group Compositions:
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| India | Afghanistan |
| Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| UAE | Sri Lanka |
| Oman | Hong Kong |
What to Expect:
- High-intensity T20 matches
- Classic India-Pakistan rivalry
- Perfect World Cup preparation
- New teams challenging established powers
Conclusion:
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 represents four decades of amazing cricket competition. It has shaped the sport across Asia.
From India’s eight titles to Sri Lanka’s consistent excellence and Pakistan’s clutch performances, this tournament always delivers world-class cricket.
Key Things to Remember:
- India leads with 8 championships and great consistency
- Sri Lanka has appeared in most finals, showing remarkable persistence
- Bangladesh keeps improving with three final appearances
- Format changes keep the tournament fresh and exciting
- Political challenges haven’t stopped cricket’s unifying power
The Asia Cup remains cricket’s top regional tournament. It creates legends, breaks records, and brings Asian cricket fans together through shared passion.
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, this tournament will keep evolving while staying important for international cricket success.
Whether you’re following your favorite team or just enjoying great cricket, the Asia Cup provides unforgettable moments. It reminds us why this sport captivates millions across Asia and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the first Asia Cup?
India won the first Asia Cup in 1984 under the captainship of Sunil Gavaskar. They defeated Sri Lanka in the final at Sharjah.
- How many times has India won the Asia Cup?
India has won the Asia Cup 8 times, making them the most successful team in tournament history.
- Which captain has won the most Asia Cups?
Three captains share the record with 2 titles each: Mohammad Azharuddin, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma (all from India).
- Has Afghanistan reached an Asia Cup final?
No, Afghanistan hasn’t reached an Asia Cup final yet, but they continue to improve and remain competitive.
- When did the T20 Asia Cup format start?
The first T20I Asia Cup was held in 2016 in Bangladesh, marking the tournament’s format evolution.
- Which country has hosted the most Asia Cups?
Bangladesh has hosted the most Asia Cup editions, serving as host nation six times.
- What was the closest Asia Cup final ever?
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by just 2 runs in the 2012 final, making it the closest finish in Asia Cup history.
- When is the next Asia Cup scheduled?
The next Asia Cup is scheduled for September 2025 in the UAE, featuring the T20I format.
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