The ACC Rising Stars Tournament, a thrilling event that catches the imagination of cricket fans across the globe, kicks off on November 14. A highly anticipated match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is set for November 16. Formerly known under the banner of the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, this tournament has transitioned into the exciting T20 format. Get ready for electrifying cricket action as India and Pakistan battle it out on November 16.
The tournament schedule offers another twist: beyond the initial league match, these age-old rivals may potentially meet again. Analyzing the timeline reveals a tantalizing possibility of a second showdown on November 23 for the final match.
Here's how India and Pakistan might clash twice in the tournament:
Group A features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Group B will showcase India, Oman, Pakistan, and the UAE.
Mark your calendars for two thrilling semifinals on November 21. The first pits Group A's top team against Group B's runner-up, while the second sees Group B's leader take on Group A's runner-up. The stage is set for a gripping final on November 23.
With Group B containing teams like Oman and the UAE, perceived as underdogs, they may not qualify for the semifinals. Thus, India and Pakistan are both prime candidates for Group B's top two spots, facing off against Group A's finest in the semifinals. If they emerge victorious, a climactic final could be on the horizon.
India and Pakistan's First Encounter Since the Asia Cup
This match marks the first head-to-head between the men's teams of India and Pakistan since their last encounter in the Asia Cup. Their female counterparts faced off during the recently held ODI World Cup. Notably, during the Asia Cup, formalities such as handshakes were absent between the players.
The tournament's conclusion was unusual, with India departing without taking the trophy despite their victory. Indian players reportedly decided not to accept the trophy from ACC head Mohsin Naqvi, who is Pakistan's Home Minister and PCB Chairman, leading to its discreet removal by an ACC official.
The ACC Emerging Teams Tournament began in 2013 and has seen six successful editions. It initially catered to under-23 teams but has evolved into a competition for 'A' teams.
To date, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have each claimed the title twice, with India and Afghanistan winning once. The previous edition took place in Oman in 2024, where Afghanistan triumphed over Sri Lanka by seven wickets. This year, the tournament unfolds in Doha.
The Rising Asia Cup Team India 'A':
Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryawanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir (vice-captain), Suryansh Shejude, Jitesh Sharma (captain, wicketkeeper), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dube, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurzvneet Singh, Vaishakh Vijay Kumar, Yudhveer Singh Charak, Abhishek Porel (wicketkeeper), Suyash Sharma
Standby Players:
Gurnoor Singh Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Tanish Kotian, Sameer Rizvi, and Sheikh Rashid.
Group A: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka Group B: India, Oman, Pakistan, UAE
ACC Rising Stars Tournament Schedule
November 14: Oman vs Pakistan; India vs UAE November 15: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong; Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka November 16: Oman vs UAE; India vs Pakistan November 17: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs Bangladesh November 18: Pakistan vs UAE; India vs Oman November 19: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka November 21: Semifinal – Group A’s top team vs Group B’s runner-up Group B’s top team vs Group A’s runner-up November 23: Final
