The Asia Cup stands as the oldest and most prestigious continental tournament in international cricket. First held in 1984 in Sharjah under the governance of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the event has grown from a three-team contest into a stage for Asia’s fiercest cricketing rivalries. It has alternated between One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) to align with global ICC tournaments, making it both unique and versatile.
Over four decades, the Asia Cup has produced some of cricket’s greatest performances, iconic finals, and unforgettable rivalries. India remains the most successful team, with eight titles, followed by Sri Lanka with six, while Pakistan has lifted the trophy twice. Bangladesh, despite reaching multiple finals, is still searching for its maiden win.
This article presents a complete breakdown of the Asia Cup Winners List (1984–2025), including captains, hosts, memorable finals, statistics, and even the Women’s Asia Cup winners.
Asia Cup Historical Overview
The Asia Cup was first played in 1984 in Sharjah, UAE, under the governance of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Its purpose was to strengthen cricketing ties among Asian nations and provide a platform for regional competition. Initially, the tournament was contested in the ODI format (50 overs), but from 2016 onwards, it has alternated between ODI and T20I formats depending on the upcoming ICC global tournament.
- India has been the most successful team, dominating the winners list with 9 titles (ODI + T20).
- Sri Lanka follows closely with 6 titles, displaying consistency across decades.
- Pakistan has lifted the cup twice, adding its share of iconic victories.
- Bangladesh has played three finals but is still chasing its first title.
This rich mix of competition, politics, and cricketing brilliance has made the Asia Cup more than just a tournament – it’s a stage where Asian cricketing pride is tested and celebrated.
| Attribute | Details |
| First Edition | 1984, UAE (Sharjah) |
| Organizer | Asian Cricket Council (ACC) |
| Format | ODI & T20I (alternating) |
| Teams | 6–8 (including qualifiers) |
| Frequency | Every 2 years (typically) |
India Won the Asia Cup 2025
India clinched the 2025 Asia Cup title after defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final at Dubai.
Pakistan were bowled out for 146 (19.1 overs) with Kuldeep Yadav taking 4/30, while India chased 147 in 19.4 overs, powered by an unbeaten 69 from Tilak Varma.
The match made history as the first-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan.
Here are some key details from that match:
- Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
- India chased the target in 19.4 overs, scoring 150/5.
- Tilak Varma was awarded Man of the Match for his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls.
- This was the first-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan.
- India extended their dominance over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup, having beaten them in all three encounters of the tournament.
Full Asia Cup Winners List (1984–2025)
Here’s the complete year-by-year winners list of the Asia Cup, including format, host, final venue, winners, and runners-up:
| Year | Format | Host(s) | Venue (Final) | Winner | Runner-Up |
| 1984 | ODI | UAE | Sharjah | India | Sri Lanka |
| 1986 | ODI | Sri Lanka | Colombo | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |
| 1988 | ODI | Bangladesh | Dhaka | India | Sri Lanka |
| 1990–91 | ODI | India | Kolkata | India | Sri Lanka |
| 1995 | ODI | UAE | Sharjah | India | Sri Lanka |
| 1997 | ODI | Sri Lanka | Colombo | Sri Lanka | India |
| 2000 | ODI | Bangladesh | Dhaka | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | ODI | Sri Lanka | Colombo | Sri Lanka | India |
| 2008 | ODI | Pakistan | Karachi | Sri Lanka | India |
| 2010 | ODI | Sri Lanka | Dambulla | India | Sri Lanka |
| 2012 | ODI | Bangladesh | Dhaka | Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| 2014 | ODI | Bangladesh | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |
| 2016 | T20I | Bangladesh | Dhaka | India | Bangladesh |
| 2018 | ODI | UAE | Dubai | India | Bangladesh |
| 2022 | T20I | UAE | Dubai | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |
| 2023 | ODI | Pakistan / Sri Lanka | Colombo | India | Sri Lanka |
| 2025 | T20I | UAE | Dubai | India | Pakistan |
Early Years: Establishing the Tournament (1984–1995)
1984 Asia Cup – India Crowned the First Champions
The inaugural Asia Cup was held in Sharjah, UAE, with only three teams – India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. India, under Sunil Gavaskar, won both their matches to lift the maiden trophy.
- Surinder Khanna scored twin fifties and was named Player of the Series.
- Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri shone with the ball, cementing India’s early dominance.
1986 Asia Cup – Sri Lanka’s First International Trophy
India withdrew, leaving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to compete. Hosts Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the final, marking their first international title.
- Arjuna Ranatunga’s 57 in the final* made him a national hero.
- This win boosted Sri Lanka’s confidence, paving the way for their 1996 World Cup glory.
1988 Asia Cup – India’s Strong Comeback
Held in Bangladesh, this edition saw India reclaim glory under Dilip Vengsarkar. Navjot Sidhu’s 76 in the final and Arshad Ayub’s bowling were the highlights.
1990–91 Asia Cup – India’s Continued Dominance
Played in India, this edition showcased India’s regional supremacy under Mohammad Azharuddin. Sanjay Manjrekar and Kapil Dev played key roles in their victory.
1995 Asia Cup – India Clinches Fourth Title
Held in Sharjah, India once again defeated Sri Lanka in the final. Navjot Sidhu’s 84-run knock and Anil Kumble’s brilliant bowling defined the tournament.
Sri Lanka’s Golden Era (1997–2008)
1997 Asia Cup – Glory at Home
Sri Lanka hosted and won their first Asia Cup on home soil. Arjuna Ranatunga’s 62 in the final* and Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive batting made this edition unforgettable.
2000 Asia Cup – Pakistan’s Maiden Triumph
Pakistan lifted their first Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Mohammad Yousuf scored a record 295 runs, while Abdul Razzaq’s all-round show sealed the deal.
2004 Asia Cup – Sri Lanka’s Domination
This expanded edition featured 6 teams, including Hong Kong and UAE. Marvan Atapattu’s leadership and Sanath Jayasuriya’s brilliance helped Sri Lanka beat India in the final.
2008 Asia Cup – Jayawardene Leads Sri Lanka
Held in Pakistan, this was a high-scoring edition. Sanath Jayasuriya and Ajantha Mendis starred, as Sri Lanka defeated India in the final. Mendis’ 6/13 in the final stunned the world.
Modern Era: Balanced Rivalries (2010–2018)
2010 Asia Cup – Dhoni’s India Prevails
India, led by MS Dhoni, defeated Sri Lanka in Dambulla. Gautam Gambhir’s consistent batting and Ashish Nehra’s bowling secured India’s victory.
2012 Asia Cup – Pakistan’s Second Title
Under Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan beat Bangladesh in a thrilling final by just 2 runs. Shahid Afridi’s all-round brilliance was the highlight.
2014 Asia Cup – Sri Lanka Strikes Again
Sri Lanka, led by Angelo Mathews, outclassed Pakistan in the final. Lahiru Thirimanne emerged as the star batter.
2016 Asia Cup – T20I Format Introduced
For the first time, the Asia Cup was played in the T20 format, aligning with the T20 World Cup. India, under MS Dhoni, beat Bangladesh in the final.
- Virat Kohli was the standout performer with 153 runs at an average of 76.
2018 Asia Cup – India Wins Under Rohit Sharma
Hosted in UAE, India defeated Bangladesh in a last-ball thriller. Litton Das scored 121 for Bangladesh in the final, but India chased successfully.
Recent Editions (2022–2023)
2022 Asia Cup – Sri Lanka’s Remarkable Comeback
Played in the UAE, Sri Lanka stunned favorites India and Pakistan. Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 71 in the final* and Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round heroics gave Sri Lanka their 6th title.
2023 Asia Cup – India’s ODI Glory Before World Cup
Co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India demolished Sri Lanka in the Colombo final. Mohammed Siraj’s 6/21 was one of the best ODI spells ever, earning him Player of the Final.
- Shubman Gill scored the most runs (302), showcasing India’s future.
Quick Summary of Asia Cup Champions
- Most Titles – India (9)
1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2023,2025 - Second Most Titles – Sri Lanka (6)
1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, 2022 - Pakistan – 2 titles
2000, 2012
Latest Champion (2025)
- Winner: India
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Runner-Up: Pakistan
- Result: India won by 5 wickets in Dubai
- Player of the Match (Final): Tilak Varma (63* off 53)
- Player of the Series: Abhishek Sharma (314 Runs)
Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
Leadership plays a decisive role in tournament cricket. Below are the winning captains from 1984 to 2025
| Year | Winning Team | Captain |
| 2025 | India | Suryakumar Yadav |
| 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 wins
- MS Dhoni (India) – 2 wins
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 2 wins
Hosts and Venues
Hosting duties have alternated among Asian nations. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have hosted the most editions, with several finals at Mirpur (Dhaka) and Colombo.
| Year | Host Country | Final Venue |
| 2025 | UAE | Dubai, UAE |
| 2023 | Pakistan / Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| 2022 | UAE | Dubai |
| 2018 | UAE | Dubai |
| 2016 | Bangladesh | Mirpur |
| 2014 | Bangladesh | Mirpur |
| 2012 | Bangladesh | Mirpur |
| 2010 | Sri Lanka | Dambulla |
| 2008 | Pakistan | Karachi |
| 2004 | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| 2000 | Bangladesh | Dhaka |
| 1997 | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| 1995 | UAE | Sharjah |
| 1990–91 | India | Eden Gardens |
| 1988 | Bangladesh | Dhaka |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| 1984 | UAE | Sharjah |
Memorable Finals & Records
The Asia Cup has produced thrilling contests. Some iconic moments include:
- Kohli’s 183 vs Pakistan (2012): The highest individual score in Asia Cup history.
- Ajantha Mendis (2008 Final): 6/13, one of the most destructive spells in finals history.
- Mohammed Siraj (2023 Final): 6 wickets for 21 runs, breaking Sri Lanka’s backbone.
- Pakistan’s Narrow Win (2012): A 2-run victory over Bangladesh in a nail-biting finish.
- Bangladesh’s Rise: Three finals appearances (2012, 2016, 2018) despite not winning.
Biggest Wins in Finals
- Sri Lanka beat India by 100 runs (2008).
- India beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets (2023).
Asia Cup Records & Key Stats
Top 5 Run-Scorers
- Sanath Jayasuriya (SL): 1,220 runs (25 matches)
- Rohit Sharma (IND): 1,210 runs (37 matches)
- Kumar Sangakkara (SL): 1,075 runs (24 matches)
- Sachin Tendulkar (IND): 971 runs (23 matches)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN): 830 runs (25 matches)
Top 5 Wicket-Takers
- Lasith Malinga (SL): 33 wickets (15 matches)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (SL): 30 wickets (24 matches)
- Saeed Ajmal (PAK): 25 wickets (18 matches)
- Irfan Pathan (IND): 22 wickets (12 matches)
- Kuldeep Yadav (IND): 21 wickets (14 matches)
How Many Times Has India Won the Asia Cup?
India holds the record for the most Asia Cup titles with 9 championships. Their wins span both ODI and T20I formats, proving their adaptability.
| Year | Format | Winner | Final Opponent | Venue |
| 1984 | ODI | India | Sri Lanka | UAE |
| 1988 | ODI | India | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh |
| 1990–91 | ODI | India | Sri Lanka | India |
| 1995 | ODI | India | Sri Lanka | UAE |
| 2010 | ODI | India | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka |
| 2016 | T20I | India | Bangladesh | Bangladesh |
| 2018 | ODI | India | Bangladesh | UAE |
| 2023 | ODI | India | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka |
| 2025 | T20I | India | Pakistan | Dubai |
Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
The Women’s Asia Cup began in 2004 and has become a crucial platform for Asian cricket.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Format | Host |
| 2024 | Sri Lanka | India | T20I | Sri Lanka |
| 2022 | India | Sri Lanka | T20I | Bangladesh |
| 2018 | Bangladesh | India | T20I | Malaysia |
| 2016 | India | Pakistan | T20I | Thailand |
| 2012 | India | Pakistan | T20I | 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 |
India dominates the women’s event, while Sri Lanka’s 2024 title win marked a historic breakthrough.
Asia Cup 2025 Preview
- Host: UAE
- Format: T20I
- Dates: September 9–28, 2025
- Teams: 8 (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong)
The Asia Cup 2025 is set to be a T20 extravaganza, perfect preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Expect high-scoring thrillers, fiery rivalries, and another epic India–Pakistan clash.
Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Conclusion
The Asia Cup has evolved from a small regional contest into a showcase of Asia’s cricketing powerhouses. From Sunil Gavaskar lifting the first trophy in 1984 to Suryakumar Yadav’s men demolishing Pakistan in 2023, the tournament has gifted fans countless memories.
- India leads with 9 titles, followed by Sri Lanka (6) and Pakistan (2).
- Bangladesh, though winless, has emerged as a consistent finalist.
- The women’s Asia Cup has also grown in stature, with India’s dominance now challenged by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, anticipation builds for another chapter in this storied rivalry. Whether ODI or T20, one truth remains: the Asia Cup is Asia’s heartbeat in cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who won the first Asia Cup?
India, in 1984 under Sunil Gavaskar’s captaincy.
Q2: How many times has India won the Asia Cup?
India has won 9 titles, the most in history.
Q3: Which captain has won the most Asia Cups?
Mohammad Azharuddin, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma — 2 titles each.
Q4: Has Afghanistan ever reached an Asia Cup final?
No, but they have been highly competitive in Super Four stages.
Q5: When did the T20 Asia Cup start?
In 2016, hosted by Bangladesh.
Q6: Which country hosted the most Asia Cups?
Bangladesh has hosted the most editions, primarily at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
Q7: What’s the closest Asia Cup final?
The 2012 final where Pakistan beat Bangladesh by just 2 runs.
Q8: Who are the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in Asia Cup history?
- Runs: Sanath Jayasuriya (1,220)
- Wickets: Lasith Malinga (33)
Related Blog: India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Asia Cup Records
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