Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars (Nepal) 2025/26

The **Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars** is a regional cricket tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). It serves as a developmental platform for emerging talent, sitting below the senior Women's Asia Cup in the hierarchy. The competition operates as a standalone invitational event rather than a tiered league with promotion or relegation. Founded in 2023, the inaugural edition took place in Hong Kong. Originally branded as the ACC Women's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, the tournament was rebranded for its second edition in 2026, which was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The format is strictly Twenty20 International (T20I). Matches are played within a group stage comprising two groups of four teams, followed by knockout semi-finals and a final. The field comprises 'A' squads or emerging teams from four ODI-status full members—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—alongside four top associate nations such as Nepal, Malaysia, and Thailand. Participation is selective, focusing on player development and exposure for younger players. India A has won both editions contested so far, defeating Bangladesh A in the finals of both tournaments. This record establishes dominance in the early history of the series, though the competition remains young. The event is distinct from the main continental championship, which features senior national teams.

The tournament provides a structured pathway for cricketers aiming to reach higher international levels. By offering competitive matches against regional peers, it allows nations to assess depth beyond their primary squads. The fixed group structure ensures every team plays a set number of games before the knockout phase begins. This consistency helps teams plan their strategies without the uncertainty of a round-robin progression. The focus on 'A' teams means that individual performances carry significant weight in future selections. Coaches use these matches to test combinations under tournament pressure. The involvement of associate nations adds variety to the competitive landscape, giving emerging cricketing nations a chance to face established powers. The transition from the original branding reflects the ACC's intent