Asia Cup is a One day international cricket tournament which was initiated in 1983 by Asian Cricket Council to aggravate goodwill among the Asian countries. India wining Asia Cup five times, holds the record of wining the Asia Cup maximum number of times. India has participated in all the Asia Cups till now except for the 1986 cup because of the national tension between India and Sri Lanka.Sharjah, United Arab Emirates held the first Asia Cup in 1984 which had India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India registered itself as the winner of the inaugural Asia Cup.
In 1986 when India refused to participate in the second season hosted by Sri Lanka was an entry year for Bangladesh. There was an instability in the pattern of Asia Cup but Asian Cricket Council has decided that the tournament will be held alternating years. The Asian Cricket Council has its office in United Arab Emirates.
The last 2012 Asia Cup was won by Pakistan beating Bangladesh by two runs and was held in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka holds the present record of hosting
Asia Cup four times which will be equalled by Bangladesh this year. Sanath Jayasuriya is the
highest run getter in Asia Cup and Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record of taking
maximum number of wickets in Asia Cup. Both the records are from Sri Lankan players. 2012 Asia Cup was won by Pakistan but it witnessed an amazing record from Sachin Tendulkar who scored his 100th century in the tournament against Bangladesh.
Earlier India was supposed to host this year’s Asia Cup but due to already tightly packed schedule, India was unable to hold such a tournament. Bangladesh ensured lately that it will host Asia Cup this year safely. Pakistan also confirmed their participation after much of the dilemma for security of the team as both the nations share diplomatic disputes at the moment. This year Asia Cup will also witness maiden performance of Afghanistan as confirmed the Afghanistan Cricket Board last year. This Asia Cup will have eleven matches which are spread within the span of eleven days from 25th February to 8th March. The matches will be held in Mirpur and Fatullah. The Asia Cup fixtures have been finalised in the recent past and half of the continent have their eyes on 2nd March which will have India playing against Pakistan. The defending champions, Pakistan will have to face Sri Lanka in the opening match of this year Asia Cup.This Asia Cup can become a phase of entertainment for the Bangladesh citizens in this difficult time. The Bangladesh residents can unite to support their team and they will have a span of enjoyment for them. India who has travelled to New Zealand for the series has trimmed their trip short to participate in the Asia Cup.
The broadcasting rights have been sold to ‘Star India’. Asian Cricket Council expects the upcoming tournament to be as successful as the previous ones.