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Asia Cup 1990-91 (Source: X)
Reports have surfaced that India have won the right to host the 17th edition of the Asia Cup in 2025. The previous edition of the continental event was jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka and played in a 50-over format. However, the upcoming edition will reportedly take place in a 20-over format.
Meanwhile, the 2027 Asia Cup will switch to the ODI format and will be hosted by Bangladesh. Both editions of the tournament will consist of 13 matches and will see the participation of six teams, including Afghanistan and one team to be determined through a qualifier.
Also Read: India and Bangladesh all set to play host to next two editions of Men’s Asia Cup tournament
The first edition of the Asia Cup was held in 1984 in Sharjah, UAE. Only three teams participated, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and the Men in Blue emerged victorious after winning both matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka finished as the runner-up.
When was the last time India hosted the Asia Cup and what happened?
India have hosted the biennial event only once in its cricketing history. The fourth edition of the tournament in 1990–91 was held entirely in India across three states. Four teams were expected to participate in the 50-over tournament, but Pakistan pulled out at the last minute due to strained political relations with the host country.
India and Bangladesh clashed in the series opener in Chandigarh and the former registered a convincing nine-wicket victory. India qualified for the final after defeating Sri Lanka in their second match. The Lankan side managed to win against Bangladesh and set the stage for a rematch with India in the summit clash.
Batting first at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Sri Lanka could only score 204-9 in 45 overs. Arjuna Ranatunga, who scored 49 off 57, was their top-scorer. Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev was the pick of the bowlers for Team India as he grabbed four wickets at an economy of 3.44.
In reply, India got off to a horror start, losing both openers early on for cheap scores. However, half-centuries from their middle order batters - Sanjay Manjrekar (75* off 95), Sachin Tendulkar (53 off 70) and Mohammad Azharuddin (54* off 39) – helped the home side chase down the target in 42.1 overs. With a crushing seven-wicket win, India retained the title.