The Asia Cup 2025 marks the 17th edition of this iconic continental cricketing event, running from September 9 to September 28 in the United Arab Emirates.
For the first time, the tournament will feature eight teams: the five ACC full members (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) joined by UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, who earned their places through top finishes in the 2024 ACC Premier Cup.
All matches will be played in the fast-paced T20I format, across venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as UAE will host the tournament.
Teams will be divided into two groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to a Super Four stage. The best-performing teams from this stage will battle in the final on September 28. With India set as defending champions, anticipation is high for classic rivalries, especially the highly awaited India vs Pakistan clash on September 14. The Asia Cup, established in 1983, continues to be Asia’s premier cricket contest, showcasing talent and drama from across the continent.
India and Pakistan, as always, will be in focus. But incidentally, when it comes to the Asia Cup, none of the India or Pakistan players are at the top of the combined chart for highest wicket taker or the run scorer.
Who is the Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup?
Former Sri Lanka batter Sanath Jayasuriya ranks top when it comes to the highest runs chart. Jayasuriya amassed 1220 runs in the Asia Cup with an average excess of 53. After Jayasuriya, another Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara claims the second spot with 1075 runs. India legend Sachin Tendulkar sits third in the list with 971 runs to his name. Incidentally, the trio have only played the ODI format of the tournament.
Who has the Highest Wickets in Asia Cup?
When it comes to bowling, Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka remains the all-time leading wicket-taker in Asia Cup history, with 30 scalps across 24 matches. Lasith Malinga has 29 wickets to his name while Ajantha Mendis occupies the third spot with 26 wickets in just eight matches.
But the scenario changes in the T20 format of Asia Cup. In the two editions of the T20 format, Virat Kohli holds the record of most runs with 421, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar has 13 wickets in Asia Cup T20, the most by any bowler.