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The ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 tournament is likely to witness the trophy controversy that marred the final of the senior men’s tournament in September, according to sources.
The Rising Stars tournament, formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, is underway at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha, featuring eight teams.
The teams are split into two groups, with Group A featuring Pakistan Shaheens, India A, the UAE, and Oman, while Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong are placed in Group B.
The final is set for November 23, with ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expected to attend as the chief guest.
Given the strength of the squads and their early performances, a Pakistan Shaheens vs India A final remains a realistic and intriguing possibility.
But with that comes the baggage of what unfolded in September, when India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy directly from Naqvi and did not attend the closing ceremony.
The trophy still sits with the ACC, awaiting an official handover should India agree to receive it at a separate event.
Notably, India’s refusal to engage in handshakes with Pakistani teams, a pattern that began during the senior Asia Cup, has now become a recurring feature across formats.
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 saw the same behaviour, and the latest chapter came on Sunday in Doha, when India A captain Jitesh Sharma and Pakistan Shaheens skipper Irfan Niazi skipped the customary handshake at the toss.
On the field, however, Pakistan Shaheens delivered a statement performance, defeating India A by eight wickets to top Group B and secure a place in the semifinals.
READ: Mohsin Naqvi hails Pakistan’s clinical sweep over Sri Lanka
