ACC doubles down on cricket growth with new initiatives
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is set to introduce two new continental tournaments and expand its developmental agenda in a sweeping move to grow cricket’s presence across Asia.
The decision was taken during the ACC Board meeting held in Doha on Saturday, where officials approved the creation of a “Legends of Asia” tournament and a new league exclusively for associate member nations. These initiatives aim to bring increased exposure and structured opportunities to developing cricket markets — and signal a new chapter for the sport in the region.
The plans, revealed in detail by a TelecomAsia exclusive, are directly inspired by the strong response to this year’s Asia Cup in the UAE, which exceeded expectations across digital and broadcast platforms.
An ACC spokesperson told TelecomAsia that the high viewership of the 2025 Asia Cup had “directly inspired” the launch of the new events, with the council now focused on building long-term engagement with fans and member nations alike.
Rising Stars Asia Cup to kick off with India-Pakistan clash
Set to begin on November 14 in Doha, the Rising Stars Asia Cup — previously the Emerging Asia Cup — will be the first tournament staged under this new vision. Featuring eight teams, the T20 competition will include five Test-playing nations fielding their ‘A’ teams (Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan) and three emerging sides (UAE, Oman, Hong Kong) competing with their senior squads.
Group A includes Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman. Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. The highly anticipated opening clash between India and Pakistan is expected to draw widespread attention, both for its on-field implications and for the diplomatic dynamics that often accompany such fixtures.
Naqvi, who also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, will attend the tournament final in Doha as chief guest. The possibility of symbolic gestures — such as post-match handshakes or a trophy presentation to India — has added to the intrigue surrounding the event.
Spotlight on associate nations and regional unity
The broader calendar expansion reflects the ACC’s intensified focus on emerging cricket territories. The newly planned associate member league is intended to provide these nations with regular competitive exposure, while the Legends of Asia tournament will celebrate the sport’s legacy and widen its appeal across generations.
“We want to promote cricket in new and developing cricket countries across Asia,” said Mohsin Naqvi following the meeting.
These moves follow a broader review of tournament structures and scheduling, as the ACC looks to sustain the momentum generated by the Asia Cup. Facilities in Doha have been upgraded ahead of the Rising Stars event, underscoring the commitment to delivering high-standard competitions.
The ACC also signaled its intent to strengthen women’s cricket, with further discussions held around expanding regular women’s competitions among member countries.
“The ACC will continue to support Asian nations at every level to strengthen and grow the sport,” Naqvi added.
A unified vision under Naqvi’s leadership
Under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, the ACC appears to be aligning its development agenda with both commercial potential and regional inclusivity. From elite clashes to grassroots expansion, the council’s evolving calendar reflects a cohesive strategy designed to future-proof cricket’s growth in Asia — embracing both legacy and untapped opportunity.
