The 2014 Asia Cup (also known as Arise Asia Cup) was the twelfth edition of the Asia Cup cricket tournament. The tournament was held in Bangladesh from 25 February to 8 March 2014. Pakistan were the defending champions, having won the previous tournament.[4] The tournament included the four Asian test-playing nations, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; and ICC Asian Associate memberAfghanistan. This was the first 50-over tournament in which Afghanistan took part. Ten league matches were played along with the final.[5] The title sponsors of the tournament were Arise India and it was powered by Cycle Agarbathis.[6] Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan in the final to become Asia Cup champions for the fifth time.
Venues
India was originally selected as the host but pulled out in April 2013 citing scheduling concerns. Bangladesh won a bid to become the new host, even shifting their schedule around to accommodate the event.[7] In January 2014, after a wave of political violence in Bangladesh, doubt was cast over Bangladesh's ability to host the event and the 2014 World T20 that followed it. Sri Lanka offered themselves up as an alternative host for both events.[8] Bangladesh provided government assurance for extra security during the events, and so it was decided later in January to maintain Bangladesh as hosts. Afghanistan were also confirmed to be participating at this meeting.[9]
There was one umpire from Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka each. There were three umpires from Bangladesh.
The two ICC Match Referees were from England and New Zealand.
The squad for India had MS Dhoni as captain but he was ruled out due to injury and was replaced with Virat Kohli as captain and Dinesh Karthik as wicket-keeper.
Shakib Al Hasan suffered a match ban, hence he stayed out of the first two matches against India and Afghanistan.
Tamim Iqbal was ruled out due to injury from the Bangladesh squad.
Mashrafe Mortaza was ruled out of the Bangladesh squad due to injury after the first match against India.
Sohag Gazi was ruled out of the Bangladesh squad due to injury after the second match against Afghanistan.[16]
Lasith Malinga took his 2nd five wicket haul of the tournament, becoming the first bowler to take 3 five wicket hauls in Asia Cup history. It was his 7th five wicket haul in ODIs.
Lahiru Thirimanne made his 3rd ODI ton and became the top scorer of the tournament with 279 runs in 5 matches. He was thus awarded Man of the Series.