History of Asia Cup: Origin, evolution over the years, and its significance in promoting cricket in continent

Asia Cup 2023 is set to begin from August 30. It will be the 16th edition of the continental showpiece event which was first played in Sharjah in 1984.

A lot including how the game is played has changed since then. The time is just apt to have a brief look at the history of the Asia Cup and its evolution over the years.

The foundation of the tournament was laid with the foundation of the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) in 1983. Promoting goodwill between cricketing Asian nations and promoting the sport were the two main motives behind the formation of the ACC.

The first-ever Asia Cup was played in 1984 between India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament was held in round robin format and India lifted the trophy with two wins. Sri Lanka were runners-up with one win, while Pakistan failed to register a single win.

The second edition was played in 1986 in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh featured for the first time but India pulled out due to a strained cricketing relationship with the island nation. Sri Lanka won their first Asia Cup title.

The first-ever four-team Asia Cup was held in 1988 in Bangladesh which hosted its maiden multi-nation tournament. India defeated Sri Lanka to lift their second trophy.

India hosted their first Asia Cup in 1990-91. Pakistan pulled out this time due to strained political relations and India defended their title. Asia Cup 1993 was cancelled due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan.

India defeated Sri Lanka for the third successive time in the Asia Cup final in 1995. However, they failed to qualify for the final for the first time in Asia Cup 2000 in Bangladesh. Pakistan won their first-ever title beating Sri Lanka that year.

Asia Cup: Format change for first time

The format of the Asia Cup was changed for the first time in the eighth edition in 2004. UAE and Hong Kong were also included as the six-team tournament in Sri Lanka was divided in three stages - Group Stage, Super Fours and final. Three teams each were divided in Group A and Group B. Top two teams from each group moved to the Super Fours. The two teams finishing on top of Super Fours competed in the final. Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup 2004 by beating India by 25 runs.

Notably, the same format is now being followed in the Asia Cup from the last two editions. Sri Lanka won their fourth title by beating India in the Asia Cup 2008 final.

The tournament returned to the round-robin format in 2010 and only the four Test playing nations participated. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to win their fifth title and first in 15 years.

Asia Cup 2012 and 2014 was won by Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively. Afghanistan featured for the first time in the 2014 edition.

Introduction of Asia Cup in T20I format

ACC was downsized by the ICC in 2015, it was announced that Asia Cup tournaments will be played on rotation basis in ODI and T20I format. This was done to better prepare Asian teams ahead of the world cups.

Asia Cup was played in T20I format for the first time in the 2016 edition. India won the final by beating Bangladesh. Notably, the tournament was held ahead of the T20 World Cup 2016.

The ODI Asia Cup was held in 2018 ahead of the 2019 ODI World. The three stage format of the tournament returned. India defeated Bangladesh to retain the title. The last Asia Cup was held in 2022 ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia. Sri Lanka won the final by beating Pakistan.

Significance

The Asia Cup 2023 will witness Nepal in action for the first time in history of the tournament. The Asia Cup continues to grow and prove its significance by giving Associate Nations the opportunity to play against top Test nations like India and Pakistan. The exposure being given to rising teams is unparalleled. It has made the cricket matches among these smaller cricketing nations in Asia very much relevant. There is motivation to win and get a chance to showcase their skills among the biggest stars of the game.