From Goodwill Games to Global Gateway: The Asia Cup’s Evolution

Four matches into the Asia Cup and the tournament has yet to showcase a truly competitive game. Pakistan dispatched Oman for 67 runs in Dubai on Friday, following India’s dismissal of the UAE for 57 and Afghanistan’s restriction of Hong Kong to 94 in the tournament’s opening match.

Hong Kong put up a more competitive performance, scoring 143 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. However, Bangladesh chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare.

The eight-team tournament, including three Associate Members (UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman), may not have been thrilling or attracted large crowds, but Oman all-rounder Sufyan Mehmood views it as crucial for narrowing the gap between Associate and Test-playing nations.

“The gap can only be reduced if Associate nations play more matches against Test-playing nations. Playing once every two or three years doesn’t help close the difference. This Asia Cup provides important learning for all the Associate teams. More matches against Test-playing nations would be beneficial,” Mehmood said after Oman’s 93-run loss to Pakistan.

Oman is participating in the Asia Cup for the first time, having competed in the Qualifying Group stage in 2016. Originally created in 1984 to foster goodwill among India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the Asia Cup has evolved into an opportunity for lesser-fancied teams to compete against cricket’s heavyweights.

A more balanced grouping could have made the Asia Cup more competitive, but UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput believes it would have denied his players a unique chance. “It’s a great opportunity for our team. Otherwise, when would we play against Indian players? This allows our players to assess themselves against competitors like India and Pakistan. Doing well boosts our confidence,” said Rajput after UAE’s nine-wicket defeat to India.

A Launchpad

Afghanistan’s notable rise in world cricket traces back to the 2018 Asia Cup, where it beat Sri Lanka for the first time and tied against India. Since then, Afghanistan has achieved further victories against Sri Lanka, including during the 2022 Asia Cup. Bangladesh has also emerged as a competitive force, reaching the Asia Cup final in 2012, 2016, and 2018, though it has yet to win the title.

A Widening Pool

The Asia Cup’s expansion from six teams in 2023 to eight teams this year aligns with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to include 20 teams in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, marking the second consecutive edition with such participation. Simultaneously, the Men’s ODI World Cup will feature 14 teams in 2027 and 2031, reverting from the reduced 10-team format of the 2019 and 2023 editions.

With limited bilateral matches between Associate Nations and Full Members, multi-team tournaments have become a crucial platform for Associates to compete at higher levels. This approach has led to surprising outcomes, such as the USA defeating Pakistan and Namibia upsetting Sri Lanka in recent T20 World Cups.

With eight group-stage matches left before the Super Fours, the Asia Cup might still see some one-sided, less-attended contests. However, reaching parity, whether in sports or society, is often a gradual and challenging journey.

Published on September 13, 2025.