ACC Rising Stars Tournament Begins November 14; India Faces Pakistan November 16

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Rising Stars Tournament is set to commence in Doha, Qatar, on November 14. The tournament will feature a highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on November 16.

ACC Rising Stars Tournament Details

The tournament is organized by the ACC and was previously known as the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. This year’s event will showcase the Under-23 talent of Asian cricket nations through the T20 format.

Groups and Format

• Group A: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka
• Group B: India, Oman, Pakistan, UAE

This tournament will run from November 14 to November 23, featuring two matches each day. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 21, followed by the final on November 23.

Significance of India vs. Pakistan Match

This match holds special significance as it marks the first men’s cricket encounter between India and Pakistan since the senior Asia Cup in September. The last engagement ended without the traditional handshakes after a tense match.

During the Asia Cup, India, the champions, departed Dubai without collecting their trophy. They opted not to receive it from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, which resulted in the trophy being removed from the presentation area due to the lack of acceptance.

Historical Context

The ACC Emerging Teams tournament began in 2013 and has had six editions to date. It transitioned from an U-23 competition to one featuring ‘A’ teams. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have claimed the title twice, while India and Afghanistan have each won once. Afghanistan won the last edition in 2024, defeating Sri Lanka by seven wickets.

Overview of the Tournament Schedule

The ACC Rising Stars Tournament promises thrilling matches and emerging talent, showcasing the exciting future of cricket in the region.