Cricket Kitchen

Nepal Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Asia Qualifier

October 3, 2025

 

Kathmandu – The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially announced the 15-member national cricket team that will compete in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Asia and East Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifier, set to be held in Oman from October 8 to 17.

The announced squad features a slight adjustment from the team that recently played against West Indies in the UAE. While a 16-member team had been part of that tour, fast bowler Sahab Alam has been left out of the final 15-member squad for the qualifiers. However, he will travel with the team as a reserve player, ready to step in if needed.

Earlier, CAN had hinted at retaining the same squad from the UAE series for the Oman qualifiers, but made the change ahead of the final announcement.

In the group stage of the tournament, Nepal will compete against Japan and Kuwait, aiming to secure one of the top two spots that would guarantee qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by USA and West Indies.

The squad will be led by Rohit Kumar Paudel as captain, with Dipendra Singh Airee serving as vice-captain. The lineup also includes several experienced and emerging players, including leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, all-rounders Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, and Sompal Kami, along with promising talents like Kushal Malla, Lokesh Bam, and Nandan Yadav.

With high hopes and a blend of experience and youth, Nepal enters the qualifier aiming to secure a spot in the global tournament and continue its rising journey in international cricket.