Bangkok is hosting one of the most significant development tournaments in the women’s game this month as the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars gets underway under the aegis of the Asian Cricket Council. Designed to provide a competitive international platform for emerging cricketers, the tournament brings together ‘A’ teams from Asia’s Full Member nations along with senior sides from leading Associate Members, reflecting the region’s expanding women’s cricket ecosystem.
The competition is being staged at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok from 13 to 22 February 2026 in the Twenty20 format. Eight teams are participating, divided into two groups, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals before the final on 22 February. The structure mirrors the broader Asia Cup model but is specifically tailored to nurture talent just below the senior international level.
Group A features India A, Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal. Group B comprises Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Malaysia and hosts Thailand. The blend of established cricketing nations and ambitious Associate sides underlines the ACC’s developmental strategy: to close the competitive gap in Asian women’s cricket by ensuring meaningful exposure against stronger opposition.
India A enter the tournament as defending champions, having won the inaugural edition of the competition in 2023 when it was staged in Hong Kong under the banner of the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup. That victory established the tournament as a credible pathway into senior international cricket, with performances closely monitored by national selectors across the region. For the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Rising Stars event has become an important bridge between domestic competitions and the senior national team.
Pakistan A arrive with a similarly developmental focus, seeking to deepen their talent pool and prepare players for higher-level assignments. Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A, both backed by structured domestic women’s cricket systems, will view this tournament as an opportunity to test bench strength and identify players capable of transitioning to the senior sides in the coming seasons.
For Associate nations such as Nepal, the UAE, Malaysia and Thailand, the stakes are even higher. Regular international fixtures remain limited for many emerging teams, and tournaments of this scale provide invaluable match experience under tournament pressure. Thailand’s role as host is also significant; the country has steadily built a reputation as a competitive Associate force in women’s cricket, and staging a multi-team continental event reinforces its growing infrastructure and administrative capability.
Beyond the immediate results, the broader importance of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars lies in what it represents for the future of Asian cricket. The continent has been central to the global growth of the women’s game, with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka investing heavily in domestic structures, broadcast visibility and grassroots programmes. At the same time, the ACC has made clear its commitment to strengthening the competitive base across Associate Members.
Selectors from across the region are expected to closely track performances in Bangkok. Strong displays here often translate into senior call-ups, particularly in the lead-up to global events. With the international calendar featuring major tournaments over the next cycle, including ICC competitions, the Rising Stars platform offers players a chance to demonstrate temperament, adaptability and skill in a structured international environment.
The T20 format further enhances the tournament’s relevance. As the shortest format continues to drive commercial growth and audience engagement worldwide, developing players who can perform effectively in high-tempo matches is a strategic priority. Batting innovation, power-hitting, death-over bowling and athletic fielding are all under scrutiny in competitions like this, shaping the skill sets that modern international cricket demands.
From an administrative perspective, the 2026 edition signals continuity and intent. By institutionalising a recurring development tournament, the ACC has created a predictable pathway for emerging players, reducing reliance on sporadic bilateral series. This structural clarity is critical for long-term talent planning across member boards.
As matches unfold in Bangkok, the tournament will not only determine a champion but also spotlight the next generation of cricketers who could define Asian women’s cricket over the coming decade. The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars may not yet carry the commercial weight of senior international events, but its influence on the region’s competitive depth and sustainability is unmistakable. In many ways, the future of Asian women’s cricket is being shaped on these grounds.
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Last Updated on: Thursday, February 12, 2026 11:04 am by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Thursday, February 12, 2026 11:04 am | News Categories: Sports