ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Winners List – The ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars (previously known as the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup) is Asia’s premier platform for young and upcoming cricketers. The tournament began in 2013, and over the years, it has helped several Asian nations showcase their next-generation talent.
From U23 squads to A teams, this tournament has seen a shift in structure, but its purpose has remained the same — to prepare future stars for international cricket.
What Makes the Rising Stars Tournament Important?
- It brings together the best young players from major Asian cricket nations.
- Earlier editions featured U23 teams, while recent editions include more experienced ‘A’ teams.
- It acts as a stepping stone between domestic cricket and international cricket.
- Several teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman have been part of the competition.
With rising standards and stronger squads each year, the tournament has become more competitive and impactful.
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ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Winners List (2013 to 2024)
Here is the complete winners and runners-up list from every edition held so far:
ACC Emerging Asia cup Winners List of Champions (2013–2024)
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | India U23 | Pakistan U23 |
| 2017 | Sri Lanka U23 | Pakistan U23 |
| 2018 | Sri Lanka U23 | India U23 |
| 2019 | Pakistan U23 | Bangladesh U23 |
| 2023 | Pakistan A | India A |
| 2024 | Afghanistan A | Sri Lanka A |
| 2025 | TBA | TBA |
Latest Highlights: Afghanistan A Creates History (2024)
The 2024 edition saw Afghanistan A winning their first-ever Rising Stars title.
They defeated Sri Lanka A by 7 wickets at Muscat after chasing down 133 runs in just 18.1 overs — a strong statement from their young unit.
This victory marked Afghanistan’s rise in the tournament’s history as they became the latest team to lift the trophy.
Which Team Has Won the Most?
A quick look at how many times each team has won the Rising Stars/ Emerging Teams title:
| Team | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka U23 | 2 | 2017, 2018 |
| Pakistan A / U23 | 2 | 2019, 2023 |
| India U23 | 1 | 2013 |
| Afghanistan A | 1 | 2024 |
Sri Lanka U23 are the most successful team so far with two back-to-back titles.
Pakistan’s two wins came via Pakistan U23 (2019) and Pakistan A (2023).
India’s Journey in the Rising Stars Tournament
India won the inaugural edition in 2013, defeating Pakistan U23 by 9 wickets.
Although India have reached the final again in 2018 (India U23) and 2023 (India A), they finished as runners-up both times.
India’s only title so far remains the 2013 championship win.
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How the Tournament Has Changed Over the Years
The structure has evolved significantly:
Earlier Editions (2013–2019):
- Featured U23 teams
- Focus on young talent only
Recent Editions (2023 onwards):
- Rebranded to Asia Cup Rising Stars
- Includes A teams, featuring players close to senior national selection
- Higher skill level, more competitive matches
This evolution has made the tournament more intense and attractive for fans.
Rivalries & Big Moments
India vs Pakistan Finals
The two Asian giants have met in finals twice:
- 2013 Final: India defeated Pakistan (India’s only title)
- 2023 Final: Pakistan A defeated India A
Both matches added extra excitement to the tournament’s history.
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Conclusion: A Stage for the Future of Asian Cricket
The ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars continues to shape the next generation of Asian cricket.
From Sri Lanka’s dominance to Pakistan’s consistency and Afghanistan’s recent rise, each edition brings:
- New stars
- Competitive matches
- High-pressure performances
- Talent ready for international cricket
As the tournament moves forward, it remains one of the most important pathways for emerging Asian cricketers to shine on a bigger stage.
