In 2025, India is set to host the Men's Asia Cup in the T20 format, acting as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026 in the country. With this decision announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) through an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI), the tournament will serve as a crucial build-up event for the upcoming global competition.
This progression towards aligning the Asia Cup format with the subsequent World Cup format began in 2016 when the tournament transitioned to a T20 mode.The previous 2023 edition, managed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), adopted a 'Hybrid Model' due to India's decision not to travel to Pakistan, resulting in matches being played in Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, the 2027 Asia Cup is slated to take place in Bangladesh in the ODI format, in anticipation of the 50-over World Cup scheduled for South Africa in the same year. These sequential events aim to provide teams with valuable practice and experience ahead of the global stages.
The Men's Asia Cup Tournament, a biennial cricketing event involving key ACC Member nations such as Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and a Non-Test playing Member selected through qualifying events, will feature 13 matches each for both the T20 edition in India and the 50-over tournament in Bangladesh during 2027.
Current champions, India has shown dominance in the Asia Cup in recent years, clinching victory in three out of the last four editions, including a memorable 10-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in the final of the 50-overs edition held in Colombo.