While the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Pakistan’s men’s team and their government backed boycott of a crucial T20 World Cup fixture against India, the women’s game is quietly moving forward focused, unaffected, and determined to play.
The Pakistan Women’s A team is continuing preparations as normal for its Group A encounter against India A in the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, scheduled for February 15. The match will be played at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, starting at 12:30 PM IST, coinciding with the date of the now-abandoned men’s T20 World Cup clash in Sri Lanka.
On Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the Women’s A squad, notably listing India A as a confirmed group stage opponent. The announcement came on the same day Pakistan’s government publicly declared that the men’s team would not face India. Importantly, no directive has been issued to the women’s setup to withdraw for the developmental tournament.
The contrast between the two situations could hardly be sharper. The men’s boycott has thrown the ICC into uncertainty, with discussions around possible sanctions, points deductions, or fines swirling but no emergency board meeting yet confirmed. PCB insiders suggest the board may refrain from submitting a formal written response, citing that the decision was taken at the governmental level.
Amid this turbulence, the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup continues to serve its purpose as a vital platform for emerging talent. Designed for under-19 and A-team players, the competition offers young cricketers a rare opportunity to experience high pressure international matchups. Group A features India A and Pakistan A alongside Nepal women and UAE women, all battling Bangkok’s heat and challenging conditions.
For Pakistan’s young players, a match against India A represents invaluable exposure whether it’s batters learning to handle disciplined pace attacks or spinners sharpening their skills on slow, gripping surfaces. The neutral venue in Thailand helps keep political tensions at bay, allowing cricket to remain the sole focus.
India A, packed with players groomed through a competitive domestic system, will arrive with confidence following the senior team’s recent global success. Pakistan A, meanwhile, boasts a squad full of ambition, eager to make a mark and push for higher honours.
Beyond the immediate fixture, the broader picture is encouraging. Women’s cricket across Asia continues to grow rapidly, with tournaments like the Rising Stars Asia Cup strengthening depth and sustainability. These paths that today’s A team encounters can shape tomorrow’s international careers.
As February 15 approaches, attention will turn to Terdthai Cricket Ground. While the men’s game grapples with politics and uncertainty, the women’s contest stands as a reminder of cricket’s enduring spirit, competitive, resilient, and forward looking. Sometimes, progress happens quietly, one rising star at a time.
(Inputs sourced from ESPN Cricinfo)
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