The Asia Cup is a premier men’s international cricket tournament that showcases the fierce cricketing rivalry and talent in the Asian continent. Established in 1984, the tournament has undergone significant evolution in format, participation, and prominence over its four-decade journey. With an Airtel DTH connection, fans can revisit the rich history of the Asia Cup to relive iconic rivalries and dramatic finishes that have defined generations.
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Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of the Asia Cup, exploring its origins, format changes, and the complete list of past winners up to 2025.
The Birth of the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup was launched by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) with its first edition in 1984 at Sharjah, UAE. The three key teams were India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in a round-robin format, with the team accumulating the most points declared the winner. India dominated the tournament, winning all matches—including a key win over Sri Lanka—to lift the inaugural trophy.
This inaugural edition not only kick-started a tradition but also marked the foundation of the Asia Cup history as we know it today.
Expanding Horizons
The Asia Cup quickly broadened its reach. Bangladesh made its debut in 1986, highlighting the tournament’s growing inclusiveness of emerging cricket nations. In the 1986 edition, Sri Lanka won after India withdrew owing to political tensions following a controversial series the previous year.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the tournament rotated across countries such as Bangladesh (1988), India (1990/91), and Sharjah (1995). India and Sri Lanka dominated this era, frequently contesting finals, whereas Pakistan began making significant progress, intensifying regional rivalries. Cricket enthusiasts can follow all these landmark matches with an Airtel DTH connection.
Format Evolution
The Asia Cup has undergone several format changes to maintain competitiveness and align with the evolving cricketing landscape:
| Period | Format |
| 1984-1990 | Round-robin tournament among 3-4 teams |
| 1995 | Double round-robin format |
| 1997-2000 | Round-robin followed by a final |
| 2004-2018 | Group stages, Super Four round, and then the final |
| 2016-2025 | T20I format with group stages, Super Four, and the final |
The pivotal change happened in 2016 when the Asia Cup adopted the T20 International format. This shift reflected the sport’s global trend towards the increasingly popular shorter format.
The T20I Era
The 2016 edition in Bangladesh witnessed a landmark transition as the Asia Cup adopted the Twenty20 International (T20I) format. India clinched the first T20 Asia Cup title, reinforcing their supremacy in the tournament.
Subsequent editions in 2022 and 2025 have continued with the T20I format. Fans watching live through an Airtel DTH connection have been able to experience every thrilling moment of this evolving era.
Asia Cup 2023: India’s Triumphant Campaign
The 2023 Asia Cup was a keenly contested tournament, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka as hosts. India made a commanding return to supremacy, winning the title after a decisive victory over Sri Lanka in the final. This triumph marked India’s eighth Asia Cup title, the most by any team in the history of the Asia Cup.
2025 Tournament: Ongoing Excitement
The 2025 Asia Cup is currently underway in the UAE and will continue till 28 September 2025. The return to the T20I format promises high-octane clashes, with fans reliving the long Asia Cup history while witnessing a new chapter being written.
Full List of Asia Cup Winners (1984-2023)
Here is the full list of Asia Cup winners from 1984 to 2023, covering ODI and T20I formats. India is the most successful team with eight titles, followed by Sri Lanka with six and Pakistan with two.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host (Venue) | Format |
| 1984 | India | Sri Lanka | UAE (Sharjah) | ODI |
| 1986 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 1988 | India | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 1990 | 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 | ODI |
| 2010 | India | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | ODI |
| 2012 | Pakistan | Bangladesh | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Bangladesh | ODI |
| 2016 | India | Bangladesh | Bangladesh | T20I |
| 2018 | India | Bangladesh | UAE | ODI |
| 2022 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | UAE | T20I |
| 2023 | India | Sri Lanka | Pakistan/Sri Lanka | ODI |
Note: The 2025 Asia Cup is currently underway in the UAE.
A Legacy of Pride and Passion
The Asia Cup has transcended mere cricketing competition to symbolise regional pride, political undertones, and sporting excellence. Iconic rivalries like India vs. Pakistan have brought immense viewership and emotional investment from fans worldwide.
Moreover, the long Asia Cup history highlights how the tournament has provided emerging Asian cricket nations such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and associate teams with invaluable opportunities to compete at the highest level and accelerate their cricketing growth.
Experience Asia Cup Live with Airtel DTH
As we await the conclusion of the 2025 edition, one thing is certain: the Asia Cup will continue to be a jewel in Asia’s cricketing crown, known for its drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
Ready to experience the thrill of cricket like never before? Elevate your viewing experience with an Airtel DTH connection, offering a wide range of regional and international sports channels in crystal-clear HD quality.
Airtel DTH subscribers have access to key sports broadcasters, including Sony Sports Ten 1, Ten 2, Ten 5, and more, delivering live coverage of all Asia Cup 2025 matches. Don’t miss out on the cricketing action—get your Airtel DTH connection today and be part of the tournament’s electrifying moments!
Disclaimer: The information provided here, including tournament status, squads, and schedules, is time-sensitive and subject to change as the Asia Cup 2025 progresses.
