Table of Contents
- Mohsin Naqvi in Focus
- Pakistan A vs Bangladesh A: The Final Match
- Key Performances and Super Over Highlights
- Naqvi’s Controversial Past with India
- Conclusion and Celebration
Mohsin Naqvi in Focus
Asian Cricket Council chief and Pakistan Cricket Board president Mohsin Naqvi Pakistan Asia Cup became the center of attention as Pakistan A clinched the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 title for the third time. Naqvi was present at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Sunday, November 23, witnessing an electrifying final that went into a Super Over against Bangladesh A. His visible excitement throughout the match underscored his deep engagement with the tournament and cricket development in Asia.
Pakistan A vs Bangladesh A: The Final Match
The Rising Stars Asia Cup final proved to be a rollercoaster. Pakistan A, led by Irfan Khan Niazi, batted first and experienced an early collapse at 2 for 2. Yasir Khan and Mohammad Faiq departed cheaply, putting the team under pressure. However, Maaz Sadaqat (23 off 18) and Arafat Minhas (25 off 23) rebuilt the innings with crucial strokeplay, steadying Pakistan’s chase for a competitive total.
Saad Masood emerged as the star of the innings, scoring 38 off 26 balls with three fours and three sixes, lifting Pakistan to a total of 125. Late contributions from Shahid Aziz and Sufiyan Muqeem ensured Pakistan remained competitive. Bangladesh’s Ripon Mondol and Rakibul Hasan applied pressure with disciplined bowling, claiming three and two wickets respectively.
Key Performances and Super Over Highlights
Bangladesh A responded aggressively, with Habibur Rahman Sohan scoring 26 off 17. Yet Pakistan’s bowlers fought back, with Sufiyan Muqeem claiming 3 for 11 and Arafat Minhas taking two quick wickets. Bangladesh’s late resurgence forced the game into a Super Over after Ahmed Daniyal conceded six runs in the last over.
- Super Over Heroics: Daniyal dismissed Saqlain and Jishan Alam despite giving away five wides.
- Pakistan’s Chase: Saad Masood hit a boundary at fine leg, followed by a single to secure victory.
- Thrill Factor: The match highlighted the intensity of youth cricket in Asia and the rising talent in Pakistan A and Bangladesh A squads.
With this victory, Pakistan A became the first team to win the Rising Stars Asia Cup title three times, solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in youth cricket in the region.
Naqvi’s Controversial Past with India
The trophy presentation drew attention due to Mohsin Naqvi’s prior controversy. Earlier in 2025, after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final at Dubai, Naqvi famously refused to hand the trophy to India on the field. The Indian team declined the offer to receive it personally from him, and the ceremony was abruptly halted. Naqvi later maintained that the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, should collect the trophy from the ACC office, a move that sparked widespread discussion among cricket fans and media.
This context added drama to the Doha final, where Naqvi personally handed the Rising Stars trophy to Pakistan A captain, reflecting both his commitment to cricket and the regional rivalries that continue to define South Asian cricket culture.
Conclusion and Celebration
The Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 final showcased young cricket talent, high-pressure performances, and thrilling Super Over drama. With Mohsin Naqvi at the helm of the presentation and Pakistan A’s resilient performance, the tournament concluded on a celebratory note for Pakistan cricket. The match not only highlighted emerging stars like Saad Masood, Arafat Minhas, and Sufiyan Muqeem but also reinforced the importance of the ACC in promoting competitive youth cricket in Asia.
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By The Morning News Informer Desk — Updated 24 November 2025
