Cricket / India A Drawn with Pakistan A in Asia Cup Rising Stars

New Delhi, Oct 24: Doha will host the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 from November 19 to 29, with India ‘A’ drawn in Group B alongside arch‑rivals Pakistan ‘A’, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Qatar Cricket Association will stage matches at the West End International Cricket Stadium and the University of Doha for Science and Technology ground.

India ‘A’ begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20 at 1 pm local time, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan ‘A’ on November 22 at the same time.

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Their final group fixture will be against the UAE on November 24 at 9 am. Pakistan ‘A’ face the UAE on November 20 and Nepal on November 24, while Nepal and the UAE meet on November 22.

Group A features Sri Lanka ‘A’, Bangladesh ‘A’, Afghanistan ‘A’, and Hong Kong, China. The eight teams will play in a single round‑robin format, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi‑finals on November 26 and 27. The final is scheduled for November 29.

Nepal, Hong Kong, China, and the UAE qualified through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia earlier this year. All three Associate nations will field their senior national sides.

Matches involving Nepal or the UAE against Full Member ‘A’ teams will carry official List A status, meaning India ‘A’ fixtures against both will be recognized as List A games. The Nepal‑UAE clash will be an official ODI.

Doha also hosted last year’s edition, where Pakistan ‘A’, known as the Pakistan Shaheens, clinched the title after a thrilling Super Over win against Bangladesh ‘A’.

(IANS)