India Morning News
New Delhi: Asia Cup, first held in 1984, has completed 17 editions over the last 41 years. For the first time in history, India and Pakistan will face each other in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup. This matchup marks a historic moment in the tournament’s long history.
Pakistan secured their place in the final after defeating Bangladesh in the Super 4 match on Septe 25. Ever since the tournament began, many expected that a final between India and Pakistan was likely, but it is finally happening in the 17th edition.
India has won Asia Cup final eight times: in 1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023. The 2016 edition was played in T20 format, and since then, the Asia Cup alternates between ODI and T20 formats depending on the upcoming ICC event.
India has finished as runner-up three times: in 1997, 2004, and 2008, losing all three finals to Sri Lanka. Pakistan has been runner-up three times as well: in 1986, 2014, and 2022 (T20 format).
It is notable that India did not participate in the 1986 Asia Cup due to poor cricket relations with Sri Lanka. Pakistan also boycotted the 1990-91 tournament due to political tensions with India, and the 1993 Asia Cup was canceled. Since 2009, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) decided to hold the tournament every two years, with all matches officially recognized by the ICC.
2025 final will be the 12th Asia Cup final featuring India and Pakistan, adding another exciting chapter to one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
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