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KATHMANDU: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has revealed the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with experienced all-rounder Rohit Paudel named captain.
Paudel, who will be leading Nepal in their second T20 World Cup appearance, will be supported by fellow all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee as vice-captain.
The squad features a strong spin contingent led by Sandeep Lamichhane, accompanied by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, with Airee and Basir Ahamad providing additional spin options.
All-rounders form the core of Nepal’s line-up, with Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami adding depth to both batting and bowling.
The batting unit is anchored by Kushal Bhurtel at the top, with Aasif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Sundeep Jora, and Nandan Yadav rounding out a flexible middle and lower order.
Nepal’s pace attack will be led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, supported by Nandan Yadav and Sher Malla, giving the side a balanced bowling attack across formats.
For the unversed, Nepal are drawn in Group C and will open their campaign against two-time champions England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 8.
Their remaining group-stage fixtures, against Italy, West Indies, and Bangladesh, will also take place at the same venue on February 12, 15, and 17.
Nepal made their T20 World Cup debut in 2024 in the tournament co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA but failed to advance past the group stage, losing all four of their matches.
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 and Lokesh Bam.
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