⚡ Mark Your Calendars, Cricket Fans! Pakistan to Face India in Doha on Nov 16 — Asia Cup Rising Stars Unveiled

Doha to host high-voltage encounter on November 16

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially released the schedule for the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2025, confirming another thrilling Pakistan vs India showdown — set to take place on November 16 at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

A Revamped Tournament for a New Generation

The competition, previously known as the Emerging Asia Cup, has been rebranded as the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship — a move aimed at spotlighting the continent’s most promising young talent. Scheduled from November 14 to 23, the fast-paced T20 format promises high-energy cricket and fierce regional rivalries.

A total of eight teams will participate: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong Kong. They’ve been divided into two groups:

• Group A: Pakistan, India, UAE, Oman

• Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong

Fixtures and Key Matches

According to the ACC’s official schedule, Pakistan will open their campaign against Oman on November 14, while India will take on the UAE later that same day. But the real highlight arrives two days later — Pakistan vs India on November 16 — a fixture guaranteed to draw global attention and ignite cricket fever.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on November 21, with the final set for November 23. Unlike previous editions, no Super Four round will be played this time, which means a maximum of two possible Pakistan-India encounters — one in the group stage, and possibly another in the grand finale.

Young Guns and Rising Talent

The “Rising Stars” theme lives up to its name. Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are all sending their ‘A’ teams, giving their future stars a golden opportunity to prove themselves on an international stage.

In contrast, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong will compete with their full senior squads, creating a unique mix of youth and experience that could lead to some unpredictable results. Given the recent dominance of Pakistan and India’s development sides, the upcoming matches promise fierce competition and standout performances.

Complete Schedule: Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

• Nov 14: Pakistan vs Oman

• Nov 14: India vs UAE

• Nov 15: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong

• Nov 15: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan

• Nov 16: UAE vs Oman

• Nov 16: India vs Pakistan

• Nov 17: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong

• Nov 17: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan

• Nov 18: Pakistan vs UAE

• Nov 18: India vs Oman

• Nov 19: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong

• Nov 19: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh

• Nov 21: Semi-final 1 (A1 vs B2)

• Nov 21: Semi-final 2 (B1 vs A2)

• Nov 23: Final

Rivalry Beyond the Boundary

The Rising Stars Championship arrives amid lingering tensions between the two cricketing giants. The recently concluded senior Asia Cup left its share of controversies — from the handshake saga between the teams to the unresolved trophy handover dispute, which remains a topic of discussion in both countries.

Reports suggest that India has yet to receive the Asia Cup trophy, with speculation linking the delay to diplomatic strains following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year.

Regardless of off-field politics, one thing is certain — whenever Pakistan and India share the same pitch, the world stops to watch. Cricket fans everywhere are now counting down to November 16, when the next chapter of this legendary rivalry unfolds in Doha.