Neha BaruahIndia is set to host the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup in the T20 format, serving as a warm-up for the T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026. This decision follows an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) issued by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Significance of the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup is a crucial tournament that aids teams in their preparation for the World Cup. As the 2026 World Cup will be in the T20 format, the 2025 Asia Cup will also adopt this format. In 2023, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup using a ‘Hybrid Model’ due to India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan, resulting in India’s matches being played in Sri Lanka.
Upcoming Plans
The 2027 Asia Cup will be held in the One Day International (ODI) format in Bangladesh, aligning with the 50-over World Cup in South Africa. Both the 2025 and 2027 Asia Cups will include 13 matches each, comprising a 26-match schedule for that period.
Team Participation
The Men’s Asia Cup features senior teams from selected Asian Cricket Council (ACC) member countries, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and one additional team that qualifies through special events.
Overview of the Asia Cup
Established in 1984, the Asia Cup is a cricket tournament for Asian nations, with the inaugural event held in Bangladesh. India holds the record for the most titles, with 8 victories. The tournament alternates between One Day Internationals and T20 formats. Notable players include Pakistan’s Wasim Akram, a leading wicket-taker, and Sri Lanka’s Arjuna Ranatunga, a celebrated captain. The 2023 edition featured a unique hybrid model, with matches played in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Nepal joined the tournament in 2023 as a new participant.
Neha Baruah
