The stage is set for a thrilling display of young talent as the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 kicks off in Bangkok, Thailand. Formerly known as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, this tournament has been rebranded to highlight the “Rising Stars” of Asian cricket. Taking place from February 13 to February 22, 2026, the competition serves as a vital bridge between domestic success and the senior international arena.
Organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), all 15 matches will be hosted at the Terdthai Cricket Ground. This edition is particularly significant as it features a unique blend of “A” squads from major cricketing nations and the senior national teams of top associate members, ensuring a high level of competition and exposure for the next generation of female cricketers.
Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026: Tournament Structure
The tournament follows a compact and competitive format designed to test the consistency and nerves of the participants. The eight participating teams are divided into two groups of four.
- Group A: India A, Pakistan A, Nepal, and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Group B: Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The competition begins with a round-robin group stage, where each team plays three matches within its pool. The stakes are high from the start, as only the top two teams from each group will secure a spot in the semi-finals scheduled for February 20. The winners of the knockout clashes will then meet in the grand finale on February 22 to crown the new Asian Rising Stars champions.
Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026: Complete squads and captains of all eight teams
The squads for 2026 showcase a mix of seasoned “A” side leaders and senior associate icons. Here is the comprehensive list of the teams competing in Bangkok:
- India A: Radha Yadav (captain), Vrinda Dinesh, Anushka Sharma, Deeya Yadav, Tejal Hasabnis, Sonia Mendhiya, Minnu Mani, Humairaa Kaazi, Saima Thakor, Jintimani Kalita, Nandini Kashyap (wk), Mamatha Madiwala (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, Prema Rawat, Nandani Sharma.
- Pakistan A: Hafsa Khalid (captain), Shawaal Zulfiqar, Eman Naseer, Komal Khan (wk), Lubna Behram, Yusra Amir (wk), Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Anosha Nasir, Huraina Sajjad, Umm-e-Hani, Gull Rukh, Momina Riasat, Noreen Yaqoob, Waheeda Akhtar, Omaima Sohail.
- Nepal: Puja Mahato (captain), Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Sita Rana Magar, Roma Thapa, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Suman Bista, Seemana KC, Rubi Poddar (wk), Kajal Shrestha (wk), Anu Kadayat, Manisha Upadhayay, Riya Sharma, Rubina Chhetri.
- United Arab Emirates: Esha Oza (captain), Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Siya Gokhale, Keziah Miriam Sabin, Suraksha Kotte, Archara Supriya, Lavanya Keny, Rinitha Rajith, Udeni Chathurika, Al Maseera Jahangir, Theertha Satish (wk), Samaira Dharnidharka, Athige Silva, Vaishnave Mahesh.
- Bangladesh A: Fahima Khatun (captain), Sumaiya Akter, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Taj Nehar, Jannatul Ferdous, Sadia Akter, Sarmin Sultana, Ishma Tanjim, Shorifa Khatun, Shamima Sultana (wk), Lata Mondal, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Fariha Trisna, Farjana Easmin, Fatema Jahan Sonia.
- Sri Lanka A: Anushka Sanjeewani (captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Vitini Chandima, Shayani Senaratne, Mithali Bandara, Sathya Sandeepani, Nethmi Senarathna, Sachini Nisansala, Malsha Shehani, Hansima Karunaratne, Rashmi Silva, Ama Kanchana, Chethana Vimukthi, Shashini Gimhani, Yasanthi Nimanthika.
- Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (captain), Natthakan Chantham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Thipatcha Putthawong, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suleeporn Laomi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Phannita Maya, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Arrikan Phuengkho, Nannaphat Chaihan, Onauma Senanok, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Chayanisa Phengpaen.
- Malaysia: Mas Elysa (captain), Nur Isma Dania, Nazatul Hidayah Husna, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Aina Najwa (wk), Wan Julia (wk), Nur Arianna Natsya, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Aisya Eleesa, Irdina Beh Nabil, Nur Dania Syuhada, Amalin Sorfina, Suabika Manivannan, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Musfirah Nur Ainaa.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
