The Asia Cup was played in the T20I format for the first time in 2016.
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting multi-nation tournaments in international cricket, the Asia Cup brings together the top teams from the Asian subcontinent. The tournament dates back to 1984, when it was first held in the 50-over format.
In its current format, the Asia Cup is held every two years, serving as a valuable preparation platform for teams ahead of major ICC events. India hold the record for the most titles, having won the tournament eight times, followed by Sri Lanka with six trophies and Pakistan with two. Bangladesh, despite reaching multiple finals, are yet to claim the championship.
Originally played exclusively in the ODI format, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) decided ahead of the 2016 edition to align the Asia Cup format with the upcoming ICC event. As the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 was next, the tournament that year was conducted in T20I format.
Since then, the Asia Cup has featured the T20I format in three editions: 2016, 2022, and 2025. Below is a look at all the winners of the T20I.
List of Asia Cup (T20I) Winners from 2016 to 2025
Asia Cup 2016 – India
The 2016 T20I Asia Cup featured five teams: India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, UAE, and hosts Bangladesh. India emerged as champions, becoming the first winners of the T20I version.
Led by MS Dhoni, India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all five matches. In the final at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, India defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets in a rain-reduced 15-over-a-side match. Bangladesh were restricted to 120/5, and opener Shikhar Dhawan scored a brilliant 60 to guide India to victory in the 14th over. Dhawan was named Player of the Match.
Asia Cup 2022 – Sri Lanka
The 2022 edition, held in the UAE, saw six teams compete: India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. Sri Lanka and Pakistan reached the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka suffered an early collapse at 58/5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (71*) led a remarkable recovery, supported by Wanindu Hasaranga’s 36 runs, helping Sri Lanka post 170/6. In response, Pramod Madushan took four wickets and Hasaranga claimed three as Pakistan were bowled out for 147. Sri Lanka won by 23 runs, with Rajapaksa earning Player of the Match.
Asia Cup 2025 – India
The 2025 Asia Cup, also hosted in the UAE, featured eight teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman. India and Pakistan faced off in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, marking the first India-Pakistan T20I final.
After winning the toss, India chose to field and restricted Pakistan to 146. During the chase, India experienced a shaky start, but Tilak Varma (69), Sanju Samson (24), and Shivam Dube (33) steadied the innings to secure a thrilling win. India lifted their second T20I Asia Cup title and ninth overall Asia Cup.