Cricket fans across Asia have witnessed some of the most exciting matches through the Asia Cup tournament.
This competition has brought together the best teams from our continent since 1984.
Whether you’re tracking your fitness goals with the best calisthenics apps or following cricket religiously, understanding the Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 helps you appreciate the sport’s rich history in our region.
The Asia Cup stands as one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments, showcasing intense rivalries and unforgettable moments.
From India’s dominance with eight titles to Sri Lanka’s six victories, this tournament has shaped cricket careers and created legends.
Every edition brings new stories, heartbreaking defeats, and triumphant victories that fans remember for decades.
Contents
- Asia Cup Winners List
- Asia Cup Overview
- Asia Cup Tournament Results (1984-2025)
- Quick Summary: Asia Cup Winners & Key Facts
- Country-Wise Asia Cup Titles
- Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
- Hosts and Venues by Year
- Asia Cup Runners-Up List and Captains
- ODI vs T20I: Format Evolution
- Memorable Finals, Asia Cup Records & Historic Matches
- Asia Cup Records and Key Statistics
- Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
- Beyond Cricket: Politics & Expansion
- Asia Cup 2025 Preview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion:
Asia Cup Winners List
This guide covers everything you need to know about Asia Cup winners, from the very first tournament in 1984 to the upcoming 2025 edition.
You’ll discover which captains led their teams to glory, understand the tournament’s evolution, and learn about records that still stand today.
We’ll break down complex cricket statistics into simple, easy-to-understand information that helps both new fans and cricket veterans appreciate this amazing tournament.
Asia Cup Overview
The Asia Cup began in 1984 as a simple idea – bring Asian cricket teams together for a regional championship. The Asian Cricket Council organized this tournament to promote cricket development across Asia and create stronger bonds between neighboring countries.
What started with just three teams has grown into a major international tournament. The competition now features multiple teams from across Asia, including traditional powerhouses and emerging cricket nations. The tournament format has evolved over the years, switching between One Day Internationals and Twenty20 matches to stay current with global cricket trends.
Here are the key facts about the Asia Cup:
- First Tournament: 1984 in the United Arab Emirates
- Organizing Body: Asian Cricket Council (ACC)
- Current Format: Alternates between ODI and T20I
- Frequency: Typically held every two years
- Participating Teams: 6-8 teams, including qualifiers
The tournament has survived political tensions, boycotts, and various challenges while maintaining its status as Asia’s premier cricket competition. Each edition brings together millions of cricket fans who support their national teams with incredible passion and excitement.
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
This table shows how different countries have dominated various periods. India’s early success in the 1980s and 1990s, Sri Lanka’s golden period in the 2000s, and Pakistan’s breakthrough moments all contribute to the tournament’s rich history.
Quick Summary: Asia Cup Winners & Key Facts
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 reveals fascinating patterns about Asian cricket dominance. Let’s break down the most important facts that every cricket fan should know.
Most Successful Teams:
- India: 8 titles (1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2023)
- Sri Lanka: 6 titles (1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, 2022)
- Pakistan: 2 titles (2000, 2012)
- Bangladesh: 0 titles (3 runner-up finishes)
Most Successful Captains:
- Mohammad Azharuddin (India) – 2 titles
- MS Dhoni (India) – 2 titles
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 2 titles
Latest Championship Details (2023):
- Winner: India
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Result: Won by 10 wickets
- Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj
India’s dominance becomes clear when you look at its consistency across different decades. They’ve won titles in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s, showing remarkable adaptability to changing cricket formats and team compositions.
Country-Wise Asia Cup Titles
Breaking down tournament success by country reveals interesting patterns about cricket development across Asia. This analysis helps understand which nations have consistently performed at the highest level.
| Country | Titles Won | Runner-up Finishes | Championship Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 8 | 3 | 1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | 6 | 7 | 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, 2022 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 3 | 2000, 2012 |
| Bangladesh | 0 | 3 | – |
| Afghanistan | 0 | 0 | – |
Key Insights:
- India shows remarkable consistency, winning in different decades
- Sri Lanka has the most final appearances (13 total)
- Pakistan has fewer titles but important breakthrough moments
- Bangladesh demonstrates growth with three runner-up finishes
- Afghanistan represents cricket’s expansion into new territories
Bangladesh’s three runner-up finishes (2012, 2016, 2018) show how the team has grown from tournament participants to serious title contenders. Their improvement reflects cricket development programs and increased international exposure.
Captains Who Lifted the Asia Cup
Great captains make the difference between good teams and championship teams. The Asia Cup has seen some of cricket’s finest leaders guide their countries to glory under immense pressure.
Championship Captains by Year:
| Year | Winning Team | 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 led India to victory twice (1990-91, 1995)
- MS Dhoni captured two titles (2010, 2016)
- Rohit Sharma has won twice as captain (2018, 2023)
These captains shared common qualities: calm decision-making under pressure, excellent team management skills, and the ability to inspire players during crucial moments. Their leadership styles varied, but all understood how to maximize their team’s potential when it mattered most.
Hosts and Venues by Year
The Asia Cup has traveled across Asia, with different countries taking turns to host this prestigious tournament. Understanding hosting patterns reveals how cricket infrastructure has developed across the region.
Tournament Hosts and Final Venues:
| Year | Host Country | Final Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | UAE | Dubai/Abu Dhabi |
| 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 |
Hosting Statistics:
- Bangladesh: Most editions hosted (4 times)
- Sri Lanka: Traditional cricket stronghold (4 times)
- UAE: Neutral venue specialist (4 times)
- Pakistan: Limited hosting due to security concerns
- India: Surprisingly few hosting opportunities
The UAE has become cricket’s neutral territory, hosting tournaments when political tensions prevent other arrangements. The 2023 hybrid model (Pakistan/Sri Lanka) represents creative solutions to modern challenges.
Asia Cup Runners-Up List and Captains
Every champion needs a worthy opponent, and the Asia Cup runners-up have provided countless memorable battles. Understanding who came close but fell short reveals the tournament’s competitive balance.
Runner-up Teams and Their Captains:
| Year | Runner-up Team | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sri Lanka | Dasun Shanaka |
| 2022 | Pakistan | Babar Azam |
| 2018 | Bangladesh | Mashrafe Mortaza |
| 2016 | Bangladesh | Mashrafe Mortaza |
| 2014 | Pakistan | Misbah-ul-Haq |
| 2012 | Bangladesh | Mushfiqur Rahim |
| 2010 | Sri Lanka | Kumar Sangakkara |
| 2008 | India | MS Dhoni |
| 2004 | India | Sourav Ganguly |
| 2000 | Sri Lanka | Sanath Jayasuriya |
| 1997 | India | Sachin Tendulkar |
| 1995 | Sri Lanka | Arjuna Ranatunga |
| 1990–91 | Sri Lanka | Arjuna Ranatunga |
| 1988 | Sri Lanka | Arjuna Ranatunga |
| 1986 | Pakistan | Imran Khan |
| 1984 | Sri Lanka | Duleep Mendis |
Notable Runner-up Facts:
- Bangladesh reached three finals (2012, 2016, 2018) without winning
- Sri Lanka appeared in 7 runner-up positions despite 6 titles
- Mashrafe Mortaza led Bangladesh to two consecutive finals
- Arjuna Ranatunga experienced both victory and defeat as captain
Bangladesh’s three runner-up finishes represent the team’s remarkable progress from cricket minnows to serious contenders. Their consistent final appearances prove that persistence and development programs can elevate any cricket nation.
ODI vs T20I: Format Evolution
The Asia Cup’s format evolution reflects global cricket trends and fan preferences. Understanding this change helps appreciate how tournaments adapt to modern entertainment demands.
Format Timeline:
- 1984-2014: All tournaments used ODI format (50 overs per team)
- 2016: First T20I Asia Cup (20 overs per team)
- 2018: Return to ODI format
- 2022: Second T20I edition
- 2023: ODI format again
- 2025: T20I format scheduled
Format Performance by Country:
| Format | India Titles | Sri Lanka Titles | Pakistan Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Key Differences:
- ODI Cricket: Tests team depth, bowling variety, and strategic patience
- T20I Cricket: Emphasizes explosive batting, death bowling, and quick thinking
- Fan Appeal: T20I attracts newer audiences, ODI satisfies traditional fans
- Player Skills: Different formats reward different cricket abilities
The alternating format system allows the tournament to serve multiple purposes. ODI editions prepare teams for Cricket World Cups, while T20I tournaments build excitement for T20 World Cups.
Memorable Finals, Asia Cup Records & Historic Matches
Every Asia Cup has produced moments that cricket fans remember forever. These matches showcase the tournament’s ability to create drama, heartbreak, and pure sporting excellence.
Unforgettable Moments:
- Virat Kohli’s 183 vs Pakistan (2012): Highest individual score in Asia Cup history
- Ajantha Mendis 6/13 (2008 Final): Devastating bowling performance that won Sri Lanka the title
- Mohammed Siraj’s Spell (2023 Final): 6 wickets for 21 runs, destroying Sri Lanka’s batting
- Pakistan’s 2-run Victory (2012): Beat Bangladesh in the closest final ever
- India’s 10-wicket Win (2023): Dominant performance in the latest final
Record-Breaking Performances:
- Biggest Victory Margin: India by 10 wickets vs Sri Lanka (2023)
- Highest Team Total: Sri Lanka 273/4 vs Pakistan (2014)
- Best Bowling Figures: Ajantha Mendis 6/13 (2008)
- Most Centuries: Multiple players with 2 centuries each
Historic Significance:
- 1984: Tournament establishment with India’s victory
- 2000: Pakistan’s first title breakthrough
- 2016: First T20I format introduction
- 2023: Hybrid hosting model debut
These moments prove that cricket’s beauty lies in its unpredictability. Champions emerge from unexpected situations, and records fall when players rise to meet extraordinary challenges.
Asia Cup Records and Key Statistics
Statistical records tell the story of individual excellence within team success. These numbers help identify the tournament’s greatest performers across different skill categories.
Top Run Scorers (All-Time):
| Player | Country | Runs | Matches | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 1,220 | 25 | 52.17 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 1,210 | 37 | 36.67 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1,075 | 24 | 47.83 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 971 | 23 | 42.22 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 830 | 25 | 35.65 |
Bowling Records:
- Most Wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 30 wickets
- Best Bowling Figures: Ajantha Mendis 6/13 (2008)
- Most Economic Bowler: Various bowlers with exceptional economy rates
Team Records:
- Most Titles: India (8 championships)
- Most Finals: Sri Lanka (13 appearances)
- Highest Partnership: Various record partnerships across editions
- Lowest Total Defended: Multiple close defending totals
Individual Achievements:
- Most Player of the Series: Sanath Jayasuriya (2 awards)
- Most Centuries: Multiple players with 2 centuries
- Most Wickets in a Single Edition: Various bowlers with outstanding tournaments
These statistics highlight how consistency matters more than occasional brilliance. Players like Jayasuriya and Sangakkara built their reputations through sustained excellence across multiple tournaments.
Women’s Asia Cup Winners List (2004–2024)
Women’s cricket has grown tremendously since the first Women’s Asia Cup in 2004. This tournament has provided a platform for female cricketers across Asia to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
Women’s Asia Cup 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 |
Key Achievements:
- India: Dominated early years with 6 titles
- Bangladesh: Historic victory in 2018
- Sri Lanka: Recent champion in 2024
- Tournament Growth: Expanded from ODI to T20 format
The women’s tournament has helped develop cricket in countries where female participation was limited. Players like Mithali Raj, Chamari Athapaththu, and Salma Khatun have inspired generations of young female cricketers across Asia.
Beyond Cricket: Politics & Expansion
The Asia Cup has navigated complex political situations while promoting cricket development across the region. Understanding these challenges reveals how sport transcends boundaries despite geopolitical tensions.
Political Challenges:
- 1986: India boycotted due to tensions with Sri Lanka
- 1993: The Tournament was cancelled because of India-Pakistan relations
- 2023: Hybrid hosting model introduced due to political issues
- Security Concerns: Affected Pakistan’s hosting opportunities
Tournament Expansion:
- 1984: Started with 3 teams (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)
- 2000s: Bangladesh became a regular participant
- 2010s: Afghanistan joined as cricket developed
- Future: Nepal and other nations showing interest
Adaptation Strategies:
- Neutral Venues: The UAE became a reliable hosting option
- Hybrid Models: Split tournaments across multiple countries
- Format Changes: Alternating between ODI and T20I
- Qualification Systems: Allow smaller nations to participate
Despite challenges, the tournament has survived and grown stronger. Cricket’s ability to unite people has helped the Asia Cup remain Asia’s premier cricket competition, proving that sport can overcome political obstacles.
Asia Cup 2025 Preview
The upcoming Asia Cup promises exciting cricket action as teams prepare for another edition of Asia’s most prestigious tournament. Understanding the format and participants helps fans appreciate what lies ahead.
Tournament Details:
- Dates: September 9-28, 2025
- Host: United Arab Emirates
- Format: T20I (20 overs per team)
- Teams: 8 participating nations
- Structure: Two groups of four teams each
Group Divisions:
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| India | Afghanistan |
| Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| UAE | Sri Lanka |
| Oman | Hong Kong |
What to Expect:
- Fast-paced Cricket: T20 format ensures excitement
- India vs Pakistan: Always the tournament highlight
- Emerging Teams: Afghanistan and Hong Kong are showing improvement
- World Cup Preparation: Teams tune up for T20 World Cup
Key Storylines:
- Can India extend their record to 9 titles?
- Will Sri Lanka defend their T20I championship?
- Can Pakistan finally win their first T20I Asia Cup?
- How will Bangladesh perform after its recent final appearances?
The 2025 tournament represents cricket’s future – fast, exciting, and accessible to newer audiences while maintaining the traditional rivalries that make the Asia Cup special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the first Asia Cup?
India won the inaugural Asia Cup in 1984 under captain Sunil Gavaskar, defeating Sri Lanka in the final held in Sharjah, UAE.
- 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 with victories spanning from 1984 to 2023.
- Which captain has won the most Asia Cup titles?
Three captains share this record: Mohammad Azharuddin, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma have each won 2 Asia Cup titles as captains for India.
- Has Bangladesh ever won the Asia Cup?
No, Bangladesh has never won the Asia Cup despite reaching the final three times (2012, 2016, 2018), losing each time but showing consistent improvement.
- When did the T20 format start in Asia Cup?
The first T20I Asia Cup was held in 2016 in Bangladesh, marking the tournament’s format evolution from traditional ODI cricket.
- Which country has hosted the most Asia Cup tournaments?
Bangladesh has hosted the most Asia Cup editions, welcoming the tournament four times, with finals held at various venues, including Mirpur and Dhaka.
- What was the closest Asia Cup final ever?
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by just 2 runs in the 2012 final, making it the closest and most thrilling finish in Asia Cup history.
- Who holds the record for most runs in Asia Cup history?
Sanath Jayasuriya from Sri Lanka holds this record with 1,220 runs scored across 25 matches during his Asia Cup career.
- When is the next Asia Cup scheduled?
The next Asia Cup is scheduled for September 2025 in the UAE, featuring a T20I format with 8 teams competing for the championship.
- Has Afghanistan ever reached an Asia Cup final?
No, Afghanistan has not yet reached an Asia Cup final, but they continue developing their cricket program and remain competitive participants in recent tournaments.
Conclusion:
The Asia Cup Winners List 1984–2025 tells an incredible story of cricket development, political challenges, and sporting excellence across four decades.
From India’s early dominance to Sri Lanka’s golden periods and Pakistan’s breakthrough moments, this tournament has created legends and unforgettable memories.
Cricket fans have witnessed format evolution, political adaptations, and the rise of new cricket nations through this tournament.
The expansion from three teams to eight shows how cricket continues growing across Asia, creating opportunities for countries like Afghanistan and Nepal to compete at the highest level.
Understanding tournament history helps appreciate current achievements and future possibilities.
Whether tracking individual records, team success patterns, or memorable matches, the Asia Cup provides endless stories that connect cricket fans across generations and national boundaries.
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, the Asia Cup remains cricket’s bridge between tradition and innovation.
The tournament continues adapting to modern demands while preserving the competitive spirit that has made it Asia’s most celebrated cricket competition for over 40 years.
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