Cricket Nepal has announced a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, looking to make a strong impression on the global stage. Rohit Paudel will continue to lead the side in this edition.
The 23-year-old all-rounder Paudel has been central to Nepal’s growth in cricket, providing consistent support with the bat and displaying calm leadership during tense situations. He will be well-supported by Dipendra Singh Airee, appointed as vice-captain. Dipendra’s all-round abilities will be instrumental in maintaining balance for Nepal in the shortest format.
Nepal’s squad is strategically built around spin and depth in all-rounders, aimed at withstanding pressure in batting to improve upon their performance from the disappointing showing at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The spin attack will be led by Sandeep Lamichhane, who boasts extensive international experience and has proven to be an excellent wicket-taker during the middle overs. He will be joined by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, along with support from other spinners like Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad.
All-rounders are vital to Nepal’s line-up, with Dipendra, Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami offering valuable balance. Kushal Bhurtel will be relied upon to provide an aggressive start to innings, while Aasif Sheikh will ensure strength and stability behind the stumps. Lokesh Bam plays a crucial role in stabilizing the middle order, supported by Sundeep Jora and Nandan Yadav, adding depth to the batting line-up beyond the first six batters.
The pace unit remains led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, both experienced with the new ball and adept in the death overs.
Nepal squad for T20 World Cup:
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh
- Sundeep Jora
- Aarif Sheikh
- Basir Ahamad
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Nandan Yadav
- Gulshan Jha
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Sher Malla
- Lokesh Bam