Nepal Names 24-Player Squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Complete Roster and Analysis
Nepal cricket fans have something massive to celebrate. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially announced their 24-player preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, marking a historic moment for Nepali cricket. With the tournament kicking off February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, the selection represents Nepal’s strongest lineup yet as they prepare to face cricket’s elite nations on the biggest stage.
The announcement comes at a crucial time as Nepal gears up for their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, will see Nepal competing among 20 nations in what promises to be the most competitive edition yet. For a cricket-mad nation like Nepal, this represents not just sporting ambition but national pride on the global stage.
Training Camp Begins Monday: Serious Preparation Underway
The 24 selected players waste no time. Their intensive training camp begins this Monday, giving the squad roughly six weeks to fine-tune strategies, build chemistry, and peak their fitness before the tournament opener. This extended preparation period signals CAN’s serious intent—they’re not just participating, they’re competing to win.
The training camp will focus on acclimatizing players to subcontinent conditions, developing game plans for specific opponents, and identifying the final 15 who’ll carry Nepal’s hopes when the tournament begins.
Squad Breakdown: Star Names and Rising Talent
The Leadership Core
| Player Name | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Paudel | Captain/Batsman | Young leader with proven international experience |
| Kushal Bhurtel | Opening Batsman | Explosive top-order aggressor |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | All-rounder | Key balance with bat and ball |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Leg-spinner | Nepal’s most recognized international cricketer |
| Aarif Sheikh | Wicketkeeper/Batsman | Experienced campaigner behind the stumps |
Rohit Paudel leads the squad as captain, bringing youthful energy combined with tactical maturity beyond his years. His captaincy during recent international assignments has shown promise, and he’ll be crucial in navigating the pressures of World Cup cricket.
Sandeep Lamichhane remains Nepal’s trump card. The leg-spinner has plied his trade in T20 leagues worldwide, from the IPL to the BBL, gaining invaluable experience against top batsmen. His variations and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs could define Nepal’s tournament.
The Complete 24-Player Squad
Batsmen:
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Sundeep Jora
- Nandan Yadav
- Adil Ansari
- Lokesh Bam
- Ishan Pandeu
- Basir Ahamad
- Rupesh Kumar Singh
All-rounders:
- Dipendra Singh Airee (also a solid batting option)
- Kushal Malla
- Gulshan Jha
- Sompal Kami
- Sahab Alam
- Pratish GC
Wicketkeepers:
- Aarif Sheikh
- Binod Bhandari
- Aasif Sheikh
Bowlers:
- Sandeep Lamichhane (leg-spin)
- Sher Malla
- Bhim Sarki
- Avinash Bohara
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Karan KC
The squad perfectly balances experience with youth. Veterans like Sompal Kami and Karan KC bring invaluable tournament experience, while emerging talents get their chance to shine on cricket’s biggest platform.
Key Players Who Could Define Nepal’s Campaign
Kushal Bhurtel: The Powerplay Specialist
Bhurtel’s aggressive approach at the top of the order gives Nepal rapid starts. In T20 cricket’s modern era, winning the powerplay often wins matches. His ability to take on new-ball bowlers fearlessly could set the tone for Nepal’s innings throughout the tournament.
Dipendra Singh Airee: The Match-Winner
Airee represents the complete modern cricketer—capable of explosive batting, bowling tight overs, and contributing in the field. His performances in recent bilateral series suggest he’s peaking at exactly the right time. Against top-tier opposition, his all-round skills become even more valuable.
The Wicketkeeping Battle
With three wicketkeepers named—Aarif Sheikh, Binod Bhandari, and Aasif Sheikh—the competition for the gloves remains wide open. This healthy rivalry will push all three to elevate their game, with batting form likely deciding who gets the nod in the final 15.
Nepal’s Path to the Tournament
Nepal’s qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026 came through their impressive performances in regional qualifiers. Their journey reflects years of grassroots development, improved infrastructure, and increasing professionalism in Nepali cricket.
The squad announcement demonstrates CAN’s strategic thinking. By naming 24 players now rather than rushing to finalize 15, they’ve created competitive pressure that benefits everyone. Players on the bubble will fight harder during the training camp, while those seemingly assured of selection can’t afford complacency.
What This Squad Reveals About Nepal’s Strategy
Spin-Heavy Approach
With multiple spinners including Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, and others, Nepal appears ready to exploit subcontinent conditions. Indian and Sri Lankan pitches typically favor spin, especially as tournaments progress and surfaces wear. This spin depth could prove decisive in crunch matches.
Batting Depth
The inclusion of multiple all-rounders ensures Nepal can bat deep—potentially down to number eight or nine. In T20 cricket, where late-order hitting often separates winners from losers, this depth provides crucial insurance.
Pace Options
While spin dominates, Nepal hasn’t neglected pace. Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Avinash Bohara provide variety with the new ball and death-over options. Against teams stacked with spin-bashers, Nepal’s pace attack offers alternative tactics.
Comparing Nepal’s Squad to Previous Tournaments
| Aspect | Previous Tournaments | T20 World Cup 2026 Squad |
|---|---|---|
| Squad Depth | Limited options beyond XI | 24-player preliminary squad with genuine competition |
| Experience | Heavily reliant on few stars | Balanced mix of veterans and youth |
| Preparation Time | Often rushed | Six-week dedicated training camp |
| All-round Balance | Batting or bowling heavy | Multiple genuine all-rounders |
The evolution is obvious. Nepal’s cricket administration has learned from past campaigns, implementing better preparation protocols and selection processes.
The Tournament Context: What Nepal Faces
The tournament schedule places Nepal in a challenging group, though specific matchups remain to be confirmed. What’s certain: Nepal will face at least two or three full ICC members with far greater resources and experience.
But T20 cricket’s beauty lies in its unpredictability. On any given day, with the right execution, Nepal can defeat anyone. Their squad possesses the firepower to pull off upsets that would resonate far beyond cricket—inspiring an entire generation of Nepali youth.
Off-Field Factors: Home Advantage Elements
With matches in India and Sri Lanka, Nepal benefits from familiar conditions and massive supporter presence. The Nepali diaspora in India numbers in the millions, and you can bet stadiums will fill with passionate fans whenever Nepal plays. This atmosphere could rattle opponents unused to such partisan crowds.
The subcontinent’s weather, pitches, and playing conditions hold no mysteries for these players. Unlike teams arriving from Australia, England, or the Caribbean, Nepal’s squad knows exactly what to expect environmentally.
The Final 15: Who Makes the Cut?
From these 24, only 15 will travel to the World Cup. That means nine players face heartbreak. The selection will likely prioritize:
Guaranteed picks (barring injury):
- Rohit Paudel (captain)
- Sandeep Lamichhane (star bowler)
- Kushal Bhurtel (key opener)
- Dipendra Singh Airee (all-rounder)
- Aarif Sheikh (likely keeper)
- Karan KC (pace leader)
- Sompal Kami (experience)
Strong contenders:
- Kushal Malla (young all-rounder)
- Gulshan Jha (spin option)
- Sundeep Jora (batting depth)
- Avinash Bohara (pace variety)
The remaining spots will be intensely contested during the training camp. Form, fitness, and tactical fit will determine who makes the final cut.
Nepal’s Realistic Tournament Goals
Setting expectations matters. While Nepal dreams big, realistic targets help measure success:
Minimum objective: Win at least one group-stage match
Success marker: Reach the Super 8 stage
Dream scenario: Qualify for the knockout rounds
Even one victory against an established team would represent massive progress. If Nepal can string together two or three wins, they might shock the cricket world and advance deep into the tournament.
How Fans Can Support the Team
Nepali cricket fans have a crucial role. The latest updates on team preparations, warm-up matches, and final squad announcements will drop regularly as February approaches. Staying engaged, spreading awareness, and showing up (virtually or in-person) creates the support system these players need.
For those planning to attend matches, ticket information becomes available through official ICC channels. Nepal’s matches will likely draw huge crowds, so early planning ensures you don’t miss witnessing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Nepal announce their final 15-player squad?
A: The final squad will likely be announced in late January 2026, after the training camp concludes and the selection committee evaluates all 24 players’ form and fitness.
Q: Is Sandeep Lamichhane definitely playing in the T20 World Cup 2026?
A: Yes, Sandeep Lamichhane’s inclusion in the preliminary squad confirms his availability. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he’ll be central to Nepal’s campaign as their premier spinner.
Q: Which players are making their World Cup debut in this squad?
A: Several young players like Nandan Yadav, Pratish GC, and Basir Ahamad could potentially make their World Cup debuts if selected in the final 15, depending on training camp performances.
Q: Where will Nepal play their group stage matches?
A: Specific venues haven’t been confirmed yet, but matches will be held across Indian and Sri Lankan cities. Nepal will likely play in stadiums accessible to their large supporter base in the region.
Q: How did Nepal qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026?
A: Nepal qualified through the regional qualifying tournaments, demonstrating consistent performances against associate nations and securing their place among the 20-team tournament field.
Q: Can the 24-player squad change before the final selection?
A: Yes, if injuries occur or if CAN identifies players in exceptional domestic form, they could make changes to the preliminary squad before finalizing the tournament 15.
What Comes Next
The next six weeks determine everything. As training camp unfolds, we’ll see practice match performances, fitness test results, and tactical preparations. CAN will likely arrange warm-up fixtures against quality opposition to test combinations and strategies.
Media coverage will intensify as February approaches. Every net session, every selection hint, every injury concern becomes national news in Nepal. This pressure either forges champions or exposes weaknesses—we’ll soon discover which.
For Nepal cricket, the T20 World Cup 2026 represents a defining moment. This isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about establishing Nepal as a serious cricketing nation deserving respect and resources. Strong performances could unlock funding, attract sponsors, and inspire thousands of kids to pick up cricket bats.
The 24 players named today carry more than their personal ambitions—they carry a nation’s cricketing dreams. Starting Monday, their preparation begins. By February 7, they’ll be ready to show the world that Nepali cricket has arrived, and they’re here to compete, not just participate.
