The Asia Cup, once hailed as a condensed World Cup, has gradually transformed into a rehearsal ground for the global tournament. With each World Cup edition, whether in the 50-over ODI or the swift-paced T20I format, the Asia Cup aligns itself accordingly. Just last year, the Sri Lankan cricket team claimed victory in the T20 format during the tournament held in the UAE. However, in the upcoming edition, Asian teams will lock horns in the more traditional 50-over cricket. But what’s the rationale behind this shift?

Despite showcasing world-class teams such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, the Asia Cup retains its ‘preparatory’ essence. Organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup coincides with the World Cup year, adapting to the World Cup’s chosen format, whether T20 or 50-over. This strategic synchronization proves advantageous for Asian teams, allowing them to fine-tune their skills accordingly.

The Asia Cup’s inception in 1984 came in the form of the ODI format. However, the cricketing landscape underwent a transformation with the advent of T20 cricket. The last ODI-based Asia Cup took place in 2019, aligning with the same format as that year’s World Cup. It was the Indian team that clinched victory, albeit with notable absentees.