Nepal announce Twenty20 World Cup Squad

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 02, 2024

Nepal announced their 15-man final squad for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the West Indies and the US from June 1.

The squad includes the return of medium pace bowler Kamal Singh Airee and left arm spinner Sagar Dhakal.

Nepal are returning to cricket’s global stage after 10 years having played their first World Cup in 2014 in Bangladesh.

They will be up against fellow Associates Netherlands but will cherish the moment of their lifetime when they take on giants South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

This is the first time that Nepal are playing three Test nations in a single tournament. They had also played India and Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup that was hosted jointly by the latter and Sri Lanka.

A number of players were in the mix for Nepal as they are still playing a five-match series against West Indies ‘A’ at home.

Kamal recently made his return to cricket with the Twenty20 and One Day Series against Ireland ‘A’ following a long injury layoff.

Out of favour Sagar hit the comeback door from the same Series against Ireland and he has been decent against West Indies ‘A’.

The 19-year old Pratis has played 10 Twenty20 Internationals as he thrives to cement his place from a crucial tournament in Nepali cricket history.

In a career that has just started, Pratis has played just 10 Twenty20 Internationals and three ODIs.

Nepal ‘A’ captain Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam and Bibek Yadav were notable missing names in the squad where Sompal Kami as the only constant from the 2014 squad.

The only constant

Sompal was just 18 years of age when Nepal made their first ever appearance in the Twenty20 World Cup.

A decade after his impressive opening to Nepal career, Sompal stands tall as the only surviving member from that squad.

Sompal was initially planned as key bowler for 2013/14 ACC U-19 Asia Cup in UAE but then-coach Pubudu Dassanayake drafted him into the senior side owing to his allround exploits with a sheer pace being his major weapon.

Sompal and Karan have formed the nucleus of Nepali fast bowling attack for almost a decade.

He first played for Nepal in the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier and rest has been history. He is among those rare talents who came into the senior fold without playing for the U-19 side.

The Nepali team will be led by Rohit Kumar Paudel and includes rest of the members who have been in system for quite a while.

Anil Kumar Sah had had very little chances to prove himself in a comeback still makes the cut along with Sundeep Jora.

Other members in the team include Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC and Abinash Bohora.