Asia Cup: Debut match and joining year of each team

India (Photo Source: BCCI)

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is currently underway, with Afghanistan beginning their campaign on a positive note by defeating Hong Kong in the opening match. This year’s competition is historic as, for the first time, eight teams are participating in the continental tournament. Over the years, several nations have featured in the Asia Cup, each making their debut in different editions. Here let us take a look at when each team first played in the tournament and how they fared.

Asia Cup teams history: Debut matches & Joining years

India (1984)

India was one of the three founding participants of the Asia Cup in 1984, alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Led by Sunil Gavaskar, India dominated the inaugural edition, defeating both opponents and lifting the maiden trophy. Ravi Shastri finished as the leading wicket-taker, while Surinder Khanna topped the run charts. The squad also featured key players like Roger Binny and Madan Lal.

Pakistan (1984)

Pakistan also took part in the first edition in 1984 but finished third after losing both their matches. The team was captained by Zaheer Abbas and included stars like Javed Miandad, Mohsin Khan, and Shahid Mahboob. Abbas emerged as the leading run-scorer for his side, while Mudassar Nazar was the top wicket-taker.

Sri Lanka (1984)

Sri Lanka was the third team in the inaugural edition and ended the tournament as runners-up with one win and one loss. The team was led by Duleep Mendis and included legends such as Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva, along with Vinothen John. Roy Dias emerged as the highest run-scorer, while Ranatunga topped the wicket-taking charts for Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh (1986)

Bangladesh made their debut in the second edition of the Asia Cup in 1986. They played against Pakistan and Sri Lanka but lost both matches. Gazi Ashraf captained the team, with players like Raqibul Hasan, Shaheedur Rahman, and Jahangir Shah forming part of the squad. Though their start was modest, Bangladesh went on to become a regular feature in later editions.

Hong Kong (2004)

Hong Kong entered the Asia Cup in 2004, when six teams competed in the tournament. They were eliminated in the group stage, with Rahul Sharma leading the team and players like Tim Smart, Tabarak Dar, Najeeb Amar, and Khalid Khan making up the squad. Hong Kong missed a few editions but returned later and are also participating in the 2025 competition.

United Arab Emirates (2004)

The United Arab Emirates also made their debut in the 2004 edition and, like Hong Kong, failed to progress past the group stage. Khurram Khan captained the side, which included Ramveer Rai, Syed Maqsood, Asim Saeed, and Sameer Zia. The UAE are back in the 2025 edition and will be eager to make a stronger impression this time.

Afghanistan (2014)

Afghanistan joined the Asia Cup in 2014 and showed promise by winning one of their four matches, finishing fourth overall. The team was captained by Mohammad Nabi, with Mohammad Shahzad, Najibullah Zadran, and Dawlat Zadran playing key roles. Remarkably, Nabi is still part of the squad in 2025, as Afghanistan have already made a winning start to their campaign against Hong Kong.

Oman (2016)

Oman made their first appearance in the 2016 Asia Cup, which was also the first edition played in the T20 format. They competed in the qualifying round but did not advance to the main tournament. Sultan Ahmed led the side, which featured players such as Zeeshan Masood, Jatinder Singh, Mehran Khan, and Amir Ali. Oman are now back for the 2025 edition and will look to put up a stronger fight.

Nepal (2023)

Nepal made their long-awaited debut in the 2023 Asia Cup. They were placed in the group stage, where they lost both their matches and were eliminated early. The team was led by Rohit Paudel and included youngsters like Kushal Bhurtel, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, and Kushal Malla. Though Nepal is not part of the 2025 edition, they will aim to return in the future.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.