The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) officially unveiled its 15-player contingent for the much-anticipated ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Tuesday. The squad will be led by captain Rohit Paudel, with the dynamic all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee appointed as his deputy.
Tournament Details and Squad Composition
The 10th edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8, 2025. India and Sri Lanka will serve as joint hosts for the global event, which will see 20 teams compete across 29 days of high-octane cricket at eight different venues.
The Nepali squad presents a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent. The team management has indicated a preference for an aggressive brand of cricket as they prepare to take on formidable opponents in the group stage.
Key Players and Team Strengths
The spin attack will be heavily reliant on the experienced Sandeep Lamichhane, whose track record in various leagues and international cricket makes him a potent wicket-taking option during the middle overs. He will be complemented by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, with Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad providing additional spin alternatives.
All-round depth is considered a major asset for Nepal. Players like Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami offer valuable flexibility, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. The batting unit looks robust with aggressive opener Kushal Bhurtel expected to provide rapid starts. Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh will add stability, while Lokesh Bam strengthens the middle order with his solid technique and shot-making. Sundeep Jora and Nandan Yadav further deepen the batting lineup.
Pace Attack and Past Record
The pace bowling department will be led by the experienced duo of Sompal Kami and Karan KC. Both bowlers bring skill in moving the new ball and executing precise deliveries in the crucial death overs. They will be supported by the pace and variety of Nandan Yadav and Sher Malla, ensuring healthy bench strength.
Nepal will be looking to improve on their performance from the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage without registering a victory in their four matches.
Full Nepal Squad:
- Rohit Paudel (Captain)
- Dipendra Singh Airee (Vice-captain)
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh
- Sundeep Jora
- Aarif Sheikh
- Bashir Ahmad
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Nandan Yadav
- Gulshan Jha
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Sher Malla
- Lokesh Bam
