The defending champions will begin their Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2026 campaign against the UAE before meeting India A in a highly anticipated group-stage clash.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has confirmed the schedule for the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2026, with Pakistan Shaheens set to face India A on November 22 in Doha, Qatar. The tournament will run from November 19 to 29 and feature eight teams competing for the continental title.
The competition will be staged at two venues in Doha, bringing together emerging cricketing talent from across Asia. Pakistan Shaheens will enter the tournament as defending champions, while their encounter with India A is expected to be one of the major attractions of the group stage.
Pakistan Shaheens Begin Title Defence Against UAE
The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan Shaheens, India A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Group B features Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China.
Pakistan will open their campaign against the UAE on November 20 at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) Cricket Ground. India A will face Nepal later that day at the West End International Cricket Stadium (WEICS).
The much-anticipated Pakistan Shaheens versus India A fixture will take place at WEICS on November 22. The match will provide both sides with an important opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for a semi-final berth.
Pakistan will conclude their group-stage campaign against Nepal on November 24 at WEICS. On the same day, India A will meet the UAE at UDST in their final league fixture.
Semi-Finals and Final Dates Confirmed
The tournament will begin on November 19, when Bangladesh A take on Hong Kong at UDST, while Sri Lanka A face Afghanistan A at WEICS.
The remaining group-stage fixtures will continue through November 24, with teams competing for places in the knockout rounds. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
The first semi-final, featuring the Group A winners against the Group B runners-up, is scheduled for November 26 at WEICS. The second semi-final will follow on November 27, with the Group B leaders facing the second-placed team from Group A.
The championship will conclude on November 29, when the two semi-final winners compete for the trophy at WEICS.
With the Pakistan-India rivalry adding further excitement to the tournament, the Rising Stars Championship will offer young players an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on a major regional stage.
Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2026 Schedule
November 19: Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong; Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
November 20: Pakistan Shaheens vs UAE; India A vs Nepal
November 21: Sri Lanka A vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh A vs Afghanistan A
November 22: UAE vs Nepal; Pakistan Shaheens vs India A
November 23: Afghanistan A vs Hong Kong; Sri Lanka A vs Bangladesh A
November 24: India A vs UAE; Pakistan Shaheens vs Nepal
November 26: First semi-final (A1 vs B2)
November 27: Second semi-final (B1 vs A2)
November 29: Final
All matches will be played in Doha, Qatar, across the UDST Cricket Ground and West End International Cricket Stadium.