International: IND-PAK Rivalry Ignites Again: Youth Clash Looms
The echoes of the Asia Cup T20 2025 final still linger, where India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan was overshadowed by a presentation ceremony gone awry. Suryakumar Yadav’s team declined to accept the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board. This standoff left the silverware unclaimed, fueling debates on protocol and diplomacy in cricket.
Naqvi, holding dual roles, reportedly took the trophy away, insisting it remains in trust for a formal handover. India’s Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has sought clarification, while voices like former spinner Harbhajan Singh argue Naqvi lacks the stature to withhold it. As the issue simmers without resolution, attention shifts to the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
Rising Stars Championship: Spotlight on Doha
Enter the ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship 2025, a rebranded showcase for emerging talent formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup. This T20 event runs from November 14 to 23 at Doha’s West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Qatar, featuring eight teams divided into two groups.
Group A pits Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong China against each other. In Group B, India A joins Pakistan A, United Arab Emirates, and Oman, setting up potential fireworks early.
The format skips the Super Four stage for efficiency: top teams from each group advance straight to semifinals on November 21 and 22, culminating in the final on November 23. All matches promise fast-paced action, highlighting Asia’s next generation of players.
November 16: The Main Event Beckons
The tournament’s marquee fixture arrives on November 16, when India A faces Pakistan A under the Doha lights. This group-stage clash could echo senior-level intensity, given the unresolved senior final tensions.
Pakistan A opens against Oman on November 14, while India A meets UAE the same day. Subsequent games include UAE vs Oman (November 16), Pakistan A vs UAE (November 18), and India A vs Oman (November 19), testing depth and strategy.
Fans wonder if trophy protocols will resurface, especially with Naqvi’s influence in the ACC. Yet, the focus stays on youth development, offering a platform for untested stars to stake their claims.
- Key Dates for Group B:
- Nov 14: Pakistan A vs Oman; India A vs UAE
- Nov 16: India A vs Pakistan A
- Nov 18: Pakistan A vs UAE; India A vs Oman
India A’s Packed November Slate
Adding layers to India’s calendar, the A team juggles commitments across formats. From November 13 to 19, they host South Africa A for a three-match unofficial ODI series in Rajkot, Gujarat, providing vital 50-over practice.
Simultaneously, the senior India squad embarks on a two-Test series against South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second Test follows on November 22 in Guwahati.
This dual deployment underscores India’s bench strength, with A-side players gaining exposure while seniors tackle World Test Championship points.