The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday named a 15-member India A women’s squad for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, a key development tournament designed to showcase emerging talent from across the continent. The event will be held in Thailand from February 13 to 22, 2026, featuring eight teams including A sides from full member nations and top associate teams.
Led by Radha Yadav, the India A squad blends promising youth prospects with consistent domestic performers, positioning the team as one of the favourites in Group A, which also includes Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates, and Nepal. India A’s opening match is scheduled against the UAE on February 13, followed by a high-profile clash with arch-rivals Pakistan A on February 15, before concluding their group campaign with a game against Nepal on February 17.
India A squad for ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup:
Humairaa Kaazi, Vrinda Dinesh, Anushka Sharma, *Deeya Yadav, Tejal Hasabnis, Nandani Kashyap (WK), *Mamta M (WK), Radha Yadav (C), Sonia Mendhiya, Minnu Mani, Tanuja Kanwer, Prema Rawat, Saima Thakor, Jintamani Kalita, Nandni Sharma
*Subject to fitness
One of the most talked-about names in the squad is 16-year-old Deeya Yadav, who made headlines by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) at 16 years and 103 days when she featured for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026. Though her inclusion alongside Mamta Madiwala is subject to fitness from the BCCI.
Pace bowler Nandni Sharma, another standout, has already etched her name in WPL history. In just her second match, she achieved a hat-trick and four wickets in five balls for Delhi Capitals against Gujarat Giants — becoming the fourth bowler overall and only the second Indian to claim a hat-trick in WPL competition.
Minnu Mani has been a regular presence for Delhi Capitals, contributing as an all-rounder, while pace bowler Jintamani Kalita has been added recently to Gujarat Giants setup, gaining exposure at the elite T20 level. Prema Rawat has been effective for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and so has Tanuja Kanwar for Gujarat Giants. This collective WPL exposure has allowed these players to compete alongside and against international stars, sharpening their skills and readiness for high-pressure competitive environments ahead of the continental tournament.
The ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars will become an integral pathway for talent progression in Asian cricket. The 2026 edition will be the first time the event is hosted in Thailand and features a 20-overs format with group stages followed by knockout rounds. Performances in this competition have historically offered players a platform to stake claims for senior selection, with several participants from past editions going on to feature in India’s main international sides.
India A squad for the ACC Women’s Rising Star Asia Cup reflects a clear emphasis on building depth and preparing players for the demands of international cricket. The tournament presents an important opportunity for players to stake a claim for higher honours. As India continues to strengthen their pipeline, performances in the Rising Star Asia Cup could play a decisive role in shaping future national selections.
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