The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars has emerged as one of the most closely watched developmental tournaments in Asian women’s cricket. Organised by the Asian Cricket Council, the competition is being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 13 to 22 February 2026 at the Terdthai Cricket Ground. The tournament features eight teams competing in the T20 format and is designed to provide international exposure to emerging cricketers from across the continent.
This is the second edition of the Rising Stars event, which was introduced as a structured pathway tournament. Four ‘A’ teams from Full Member nations — India A, Pakistan A, Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A — are competing alongside senior teams from Associate nations including Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. The format includes a group stage followed by semifinals and a final, with 15 matches scheduled across ten days.
The group phase began on 13 February, with India A opening their campaign against the United Arab Emirates. One of the most anticipated fixtures came on 15 February when India A faced Pakistan A. India secured an eight-wicket victory in that contest, strengthening their position in the group standings and reinforcing their credentials as one of the tournament favourites. The semifinals are scheduled for 20 February, with the final set for 22 February.
India A entered the tournament with a balanced squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The side is captained by Radha Yadav, who brings senior-level experience and leadership to a largely emerging group. Her presence has provided stability in both bowling strategy and on-field decision-making.
Among the standout performers for India A has been opener Vrinda Dinesh, whose composed half-century against Pakistan A demonstrated both technique and temperament. Young batter Anushka Sharma has also contributed important runs in key partnerships, while players such as Minnu Mani and Tejal Hasabnis add depth to the squad with their all-round abilities. The selection reflects the depth emerging from India’s domestic women’s structure, including performances in domestic T20 competitions and age-group tournaments.
Beyond India, the tournament has highlighted the progress of Associate nations. Thailand, playing in home conditions, have continued to build on their growing reputation in women’s cricket. The United Arab Emirates registered competitive performances in the group stage, underscoring the steady improvement of women’s cricket infrastructure in the region. Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A have also fielded technically sound squads, with several players aiming to transition into their senior national sides later this year.
The Rising Stars competition serves a clear developmental objective. It allows national selectors to evaluate bench strength, test combinations under international match pressure and accelerate the readiness of young cricketers for senior duty. For India, performances here could influence future squad selections for bilateral series and major tournaments later in 2026.
The structure of the event also reinforces the Asian Cricket Council’s broader push to strengthen the women’s game across Full and Associate Member nations. By ensuring that emerging players gain international exposure early in their careers, the ACC is attempting to narrow the competitive gap between established and developing cricketing nations.
For India A, the focus now shifts to maintaining consistency through the remaining group matches and into the knockout rounds. While early victories have boosted confidence, tournament cricket often hinges on adaptability, especially in Bangkok’s humid conditions and on surfaces that can assist both spin and disciplined seam bowling.
As the semifinals approach, the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars is shaping up not merely as a contest for a trophy but as a proving ground for the next generation of Asian women cricketers. Several players participating in Bangkok this week are widely expected to represent their senior national teams in the near future. The tournament’s true legacy will likely be measured not only by its champion, but by how many of its rising stars transition successfully onto the larger international stage.
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Last Updated on: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 10:40 am by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 10:40 am | News Categories: Sports