An Asia Cup guide: how the tournament works, the teams, India's strong record and why it usually delivers a blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash.
The Asia Cup is one of cricket's most-watched tournaments, largely because it almost always serves up India vs Pakistan. This Asia Cup guide covers the format, the teams and India's record.
The Asia Cup is the continental championship for Asian nations, played in either ODI or T20 format depending on the year — often as a lead-in to a global World Cup.
Teams are drawn into groups, the top sides progress to a Super Four stage, and the best two meet in the final. The group and Super Four stages are designed to maximise big matchups.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the heavyweights, with Afghanistan rising fast and a qualifier joining the lineup. This Asia Cup guide rates India among the favourites most years.