Cricket fans are in for a treat as Pakistan and India’s emerging teams are once again set to face off next month. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially rebranded the Emerging Asia Cup as the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, a move that aims to spotlight the continent’s next generation of cricket talent.
The tournament will be played in T20 format from November 14 to 23 in Doha, Qatar, featuring 15 thrilling matches between eight Asian teams.
Participating Teams and Tournament Format
A total of eight teams will compete in this year’s edition:
Pakistan A, India A, Afghanistan A, Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Hong Kong.
The tournament structure has been designed to keep the competition intense and concise. There will be no Super Four stage this time, which means teams must perform consistently from the very start to stay in contention.
- Group A: Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, Sri Lanka A, Hong Kong
- Group B: Pakistan A, India A, UAE, Oman
Each group’s top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, while the grand final will take place on November 23.
Pakistan vs India: Clash Set for November 16
The much-anticipated Pakistan A vs India A encounter will take place on November 16, and the excitement is already building. With no Super Four round in the schedule, fans could witness a maximum of two Pakistan-India games—one in the group stage and another only if both teams reach the final.
This setup adds extra weight to their group-stage meeting, as both sides will be eager to make an early statement in the tournament.
Defending Champions and Past Performances
In the previous edition, Afghanistan A emerged as champions after defeating Sri Lanka A in the final, showcasing their rising strength in Asian cricket. Pakistan and India, both known for their deep cricketing roots, will aim to reclaim dominance in this year’s competition.
A Platform for Future Stars
The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 is more than just another tournament-it’s a golden opportunity for young Asian cricketers to showcase their skills on an international stage. For cricket boards, it also serves as a crucial testing ground for grooming future national team players.
Fans around the world, especially from Pakistan and India, are eagerly waiting to see which emerging talents will shine the brightest when these age-old rivals lock horns once again in Doha.
