Pakistan, India Poised for High-Stakes Clash at Asian Rising Stars Championship in Doha

By Hammad Aziz

Doha: The Asian Rising Stars Championship 2025 is set to commence on November 14 in Doha, Qatar, with the tournament schedule revealing a marquee Pakistan–India clash slated for November 16. Organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the 10-day event aims to showcase emerging cricket talent from across Asia.

According to the official fixture list, Pakistan’s Rising Stars will launch their campaign against Oman on November 14, followed by the high-voltage match against India under lights two days later. The team’s final group-stage fixture will be against the UAE on November 18.

The competition will feature two groups:

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

All group-stage matches will be played in Doha, with semi-finals scheduled for November 22 and the final on November 23. The Group A winner will face the Group B runner-up, while the Group B winner will meet the Group A runner-up in the second semi-final.

Defending champions Afghanistan A will be looking to retain their title, though both Pakistan A and India A are seen as strong contenders. Unlike previous editions, this year’s format will not feature a “Super Four” stage, making every group match critical for semi-final qualification.

In a statement, the ACC said the championship aims to “provide Asia’s rising cricketers with a platform to hone their skills in competitive, international-style conditions.” Many participating players are expected to be Under-23 or on the fringes of national selection, offering selectors a glimpse into the region’s cricketing future.

With a packed schedule, fierce regional rivalries, and the iconic Pakistan–India showdown at its center, the 2025 Asian Rising Stars Championship promises to be a celebration of youth cricket and continental pride in Doha.