The Cricket Association of Nepal named their 15-man squad that will participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which will be played in the United States and West Indies from June 1.
The 15-member squad will be led by Rohit Paudel as the Nepalese will begin their World Cup campaign on June 4 against the Netherlands in Texas.
Nepal is currently playing West Indies A in a five-match T20I series and they are trailing behind by 2-1. From the squad that is facing the Caribbean side, only Aarif Sheikh, Bibek Yadav and Aakash Chand were left out for the World Cup.
Paudel hit a century in the first match of the series which Nepal won, which would be a major boost for the 21-year-old star, who will lead his side in their second T20 World Cup.
There were no major surprises in the selection as players who performed at the ACC Premier Cup and the series against West Indies A made their way to the squad. Nepal’s well-known cricketer, Sandeep Lamichhan, wasn’t included as he is currently serving jail time for rape.
The squad consists of experienced T20 players like Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Sompal Kami and others.
Dipendra Singh Airee, who made history last month by becoming just the third batter to hit six sixes in an over in a men's T20I, was also part of the 15-member contention.
Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee
Remember, all the teams participating in the mega event had to send a list of provisional squads to the ICC by May 1. However, changes can be made till the 25th of May but once that date has passed, approval from the ICC would be required for any changes.
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024
Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, United States
Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal
