From Rohit Sharma to Afridi: Top 5 Players with the Most Appearances in History Asia Cup

The Asia Cup 2025 is all set to begin on 9th September in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with eight teams divided into two groups of four. As fans gear up for an exciting tournament, all eyes will be on the players who can create history. The Asia Cup has always been special, filled with memorable knocks, fiery spells, last-ball thrillers, and iconic rivalries since its inception in 1984.

But beyond the excitement, some players have stood out not just for their performances, but also for their consistency and longevity. Let’s look at the 5 players with the most appearances in Asia Cup history (ODIs and T20Is combined).

1. Rohit Sharma (India) – 37 Matches

The Hitman of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma, leads the list with 37 appearances in the Asia Cup. A consistent performer, Rohit has amassed 1210 runs in the tournament at an impressive average of 41.72.

• Made his Asia Cup debut in 2008
• One of the leading run-scorers in the tournament
• Played a key role in India’s Asia Cup victories

Rohit’s calmness and ability to score under pressure make him a true Asia Cup legend.

2. Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh) – 32 Matches

Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim comes next with 32 Asia Cup matches. Known for his fighting spirit, Rahim has been Bangladesh’s backbone in crunch situations.

• Represented Bangladesh from 2006 to 2023 in Asia Cups
• Played both ODI and T20I editions
• Key part of Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive force in Asia

His consistency makes him one of the most respected figures in Asia Cup history.

3. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 28 Matches

Sri Lanka’s legendary captain Mahela Jayawardene has featured in 28 Asia Cup matches between 2000 and 2014. Known for his elegance and match-winning knocks, Jayawardene played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s dominance during the 2000s.

• Represented Sri Lanka in both ODI and T20 formats of Asia Cup
• Played several memorable innings against India and Pakistan
• Helped Sri Lanka clinch Asia Cup titles

His calm leadership and classy batting defined an era of Sri Lankan cricket.

Also Read: Top 4 bowlers with 550-plus wickets in T20 cricket

4. Mahmudullah (Bangladesh) – 28 Matches

Another Bangladeshi veteran, Mahmudullah Riyad, has also appeared in 28 matches. Known for his finishing skills, Mahmudullah guided Bangladesh in multiple Asia Cup campaigns.

• Represented Bangladesh from 2008–2022
• Played a crucial role in Bangladesh reaching the 2016 Asia Cup Final
• Key contributor with both bat and ball

His presence gave Bangladesh the much-needed balance as an all-rounder.

5. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 27 Matches

Pakistan’s explosive all-rounder Shahid Afridi played 27 matches in the Asia Cup from 1997 to 2016. Known for his fearless batting and wicket-taking spells, Afridi was always a crowd favorite.

• Debuted in Asia Cup 1997
• Played till 2016 edition
• Famous for his quickfire cameos and breakthroughs with the ball

Afridi’s ability to turn games single-handedly made him one of the Asia Cup icons.

The Asia Cup has given cricket fans unforgettable memories, and these players have etched their names in history with the most appearances. From Rohit Sharma’s consistency to Afridi’s explosiveness, these legends showcase why the tournament remains one of the most prestigious competitions in Asian cricket.

As we head into the Asia Cup 2025, will new names rise to challenge these legends? Only time will tell.