Nepal have unveiled a confident and well-balanced 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, signalling their intent to make a stronger statement on the global stage this time around.
Skipper Rohit Paudel once again leads the side, continuing his rise as one of Nepal’s most composed young leaders. At just 23, Paudel has already become the heartbeat of the national setup, offering tactical calm and batting stability under pressure. He will be backed by vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee, whose all-round quality remains one of Nepal’s biggest strengths in the shortest format.
Nepal’s spin attack will be anchored by star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, whose experience in top-tier leagues continues to make him a genuine wicket-taking option through the middle overs. Left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi adds variation, while Airee and Basir Ahamad strengthen the spin depth, giving Nepal a versatile turning unit suited to modern T20 cricket.
With the bat, Nepal will once again look to the explosive Kushal Bhurtel for fast starts at the top of the order, while wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh provides stability and control. Lokesh Bam, Sundeep Jora and Nandan Yadav add solidity and range through the middle, ensuring the side carries meaningful batting depth, a key area of growth since the last edition.
The pace department combines experience and energy, led by Sompal Kami and the ever-reliable Karan KC, both capable of swinging the new ball and executing under pressure at the death. Support from Nandan Yadav and Sher Malla ensures Nepal have multiple seam-bowling options and adaptability across conditions.
Nepal exited the 2024 T20 World Cup winless from the group stage, but this squad carries both balance and belief. With a blend of rising youth, proven performers and game-breaking all-round talent, expectations back home will be higher than ever as Nepal chase a breakthrough campaign on cricket’s biggest T20 platform.
Nepal squad: 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
