Complete Schedule Announced: ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026

The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of women’s cricket in the region, as the Asian Cricket Council prepares to host the tournament in Bangkok from February 13 to February 22, 2026. Designed as a developmental competition, the Rising Stars event brings together “A” teams from leading cricketing nations and promising associate sides, offering young players an international platform to push for higher honours.

Thailand will host the tournament after it was moved from Sri Lanka due to scheduling and logistical considerations. Bangkok’s growing reputation as a neutral venue for international cricket makes it an ideal host, particularly for a competition that aims to broaden the game’s footprint across Asia. The tournament will be played in the T20 format, ensuring fast paced action and consistent exposure to high pressure match situations for emerging players.

Eight teams will participate in the 2026 edition, divided into two groups. Group A features India A, Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal, while Group B includes Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Malaysia and hosts Thailand. Each team will face the others in its group in a round robin format, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the semifinals on February 20. The final will be played on February 22.

The tournament opens on February 13 with India A taking on the UAE and Pakistan A facing Nepal, setting the stage for a competitive group phase. One of the most anticipated fixtures is the India A vs Pakistan A clash scheduled for February 15, a match that is expected to attract significant attention due to the rivalry between the two sides and the quality of young talent on display.

Several other group matches are likely to influence the semifinal race, particularly in Group B where Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A are expected to face stiff competition from an improving Thailand side playing at home.

The Rising Stars Asia Cup has been positioned by the ACC as a bridge between domestic cricket and the senior international level. Players selected for “A” teams are often on the verge of national selection, and strong performances in this tournament can significantly enhance their chances of progressing to the senior squads. For associate nations such as Nepal, Malaysia and the UAE, the competition provides invaluable experience against higher ranked opposition, helping to accelerate their development.

The inaugural Rising Stars tournament in 2023 highlighted the value of this platform despite being affected by weather disruptions. India A emerged as champions in that edition, with several players later earning senior team opportunities. The ACC hopes the 2026 tournament will build on that foundation with more competitive matches and greater visibility for emerging talent.

Beyond results, the tournament is expected to contribute to the long-term growth of women’s cricket in Asia. With increased focus on structured pathways, regular international exposure and talent identification, the Rising Stars Asia Cup aligns with broader efforts to strengthen women’s cricket ahead of major global events in the coming years.

Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Schedule:

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