Following a tense military standoff and a slew of accusations, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to be the main attractions of the 2025 Asia Cup T20, scheduled from September 9-28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Originally planned for India, ongoing political tensions with Pakistan led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to relocate the Asia Cup to the UAE.
Interestingly, the UAE was the venue for the first Asia Cup in 1984.
Mazhar Khan, General Manager of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, fondly recalls the excitement within the South Asian communities when the UAE was chosen to host this inaugural tournament with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
“Ticket demand surged after the announcement. The tournament had immense appeal; even movie stars from India and Pakistan, along with other celebrities, wanted to attend,” Khan told the Khaleej Times.
“It was a glamorous event with Sunil Gavaskar as India’s captain, Zaheer Abbas leading Pakistan, and Sri Lanka under Duleep Mendis.”
Mendis, a legendary figure in 1980s Sri Lankan cricket, returns to the UAE for this Asia Cup as Oman’s head coach.
The UAE also played a pivotal role in creating the Asian Cricket Council, spearheaded by Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, an influential Emirati cricket enthusiast, to expand the sport in the Middle East.
“The Asian Cricket Council was established in 1983, with Mr. Bukhatir and other Emirati officials participating in the meeting that decided the Asia Cup’s inception. We then hosted the first tournament in 1984,” Khan stated.
The 1984 Asia Cup marked the Middle East’s first official cricket tournament.
“We had just completed Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and the Asia Cup was our flagship international event,” Khan remarked.
“The turnout was fantastic, with packed stadiums for every match, marking a triumphant debut for the Asia Cup.”
Less than a year after their historic 1983 World Cup victory over the West Indies, India excelled in the inaugural Asia Cup, defeating both Sri Lanka and Pakistan to take the title.
For Dilip Vengsarkar, one of the premier batsmen of the 1980s, the first Asia Cup in Sharjah is filled with cherished memories.
“We won thanks to Surinder Khanna’s outstanding innings. It was our first official cricket tournament in the Middle East, and the atmosphere was electric,” the former Indian captain shared with the Khaleej Times.
“The crowds were enormous, filled with Indian and Pakistani expatriates, making those matches in Sharjah unforgettable.”
As the UAE prepares to host the Asia Cup for the fifth time, having done so in 1995, 2018, and 2022, Vengsarkar praised the UAE’s cricket administrators for their significant contributions to the sport’s growth.
“Sharjah was the original venue; now Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast excellent stadiums. Sharjah played a crucial role in promoting the game here,” he said.
“Back then, they initiated the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) for players, a commendable endeavor. Their impact has been substantial.”
