Naqvi’s Trophy Drama Steals IND vs PAK Rising Stars Show

As the much-anticipated Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship kicks off in Doha, Qatar, the cricketing world is buzzing—but not just for the on-field action. The looming clash between India A and Pakistan A has reignited a familiar off-field narrative, with Pakistan’s cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi once again at the center of attention.

Asia Cup Rising Stars: The Stage is Set in Doha

The tournament, a crucial platform for emerging talent, begins on November 14, 2025, at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium . Eight of Asia’s top cricketing nations have sent their ‘A’ teams to compete in this T20 format event. The groups are as follows:

Group A	Group B
Pakistan A	Sri Lanka A
India A	Bangladesh A
UAE	Afghanistan A
Oman	Hong Kong

The marquee India A vs Pakistan A fixture is scheduled for November 16, a Sunday, at 5:30 PM local time . With both teams in the same group, the stakes for this encounter are incredibly high, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Mohsin Naqvi: The Unlikely Star of the Show

While young stars like India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi are set to dazzle on the pitch, all eyes are on Mohsin Naqvi, who wears multiple hats as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, President of the Asian Cricket Council (since April 2025), and the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) .

Naqvi has been a controversial figure since the last senior Asia Cup, where he was seen keeping the winner’s trophy in his office despite India being the rightful victors . This act sparked a major diplomatic and sporting row. Now, with the Rising Stars event under his administrative purview as ACC President, the question on everyone’s mind is: what will happen at the trophy presentation this time?

His continued hold on the previous trophy has become a symbol of a larger dispute, and his presence in Doha is expected to be as much a spectacle as the cricket itself .

What’s Next? The Under-19 Asia Cup

The Rising Stars Championship is just the beginning. An Under-19 Asia Cup is also slated for December 2025, providing another stage for the continent’s next generation of cricketers to prove their mettle . Both tournaments will be broadcast live, ensuring fans across the globe won’t miss a moment of the action .

Why This Tournament Matters

For players, the Asia Cup Rising Stars is more than just a tournament; it’s a direct pathway to the senior national teams. Strong performances here can fast-track a player’s career, making every match a high-pressure audition. The India-Pakistan rivalry, even at this level, carries immense weight and passion, guaranteeing a thrilling contest.

Sources

• Times of India: Naqvi to steal spotlight again as IND vs PAK looms
• ESPNcricinfo: ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025