Cricket fans are gearing up for another thrilling India vs Pakistan showdown as both nations prepare to face off in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2025, a newly rebranded version of the Emerging Asia Cup.
According to Cricbuzz, the rebranded tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 14 in Doha, Qatar, with eight teams competing in a T20 format. The championship promises to showcase the future stars of Asian cricket as they battle for continental glory.
Rebranding and Controversy Surrounding the Tournament
The Emerging Asia Cup has now officially been renamed as the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship, signaling a fresh start for the tournament. However, questions remain whether this new version will avoid the kind of controversies that surrounded its predecessor.
The previous Asia Cup edition was marked by heated moments, including the infamous handshake controversy between Indian and Pakistani players. India also faced disappointment when they were denied the trophy celebration due to political tensions that flared up following the Pahalgam attack in May. Reports suggest the trophy dispute between both boards remains unresolved.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The 2025 Rising Stars Championship will feature eight teams divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, Oman, UAE
- Group B: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Unlike the Asia Cup 2025, this tournament will not feature a Super Four stage. Instead, the top two teams from each group will advance directly to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for November 23 in Doha.
The entire event will consist of 15 matches, offering young cricketers a platform to make their mark on the international stage.
Defending Champions and Past Performances
In the previous edition, Afghanistan emerged victorious, defeating Sri Lanka A in the final at Al-Nahda Stadium, Oman, in October 2024. Their strong performance has positioned them as one of the top contenders for this year’s title as well.
As for the other teams, both India and Pakistan will be fielding their next-generation stars, many of whom are already making waves in domestic and franchise cricket. The tournament thus serves as an ideal testing ground for future international cricketers.
Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025: Teams
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Sri Lanka
- UAE
- Oman
- Hong Kong
Cricket Fans Await Another Epic Rivalry
Every India-Pakistan encounter brings unmatched excitement, passion, and emotion — and this edition will be no different. With fresh faces and renewed energy, the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2025 promises to deliver another chapter in the sport’s most storied rivalry.
Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see whether the young guns of India or Pakistan will claim bragging rights this time around.