Nepal has announced a 16-member national squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series to be held in Darwin, Australia from August 14 to 24.
Kushal Malla makes a return to the squad after missing the Scotland Tour. His inclusion offers a chance to re-establish himself in international cricket.
The squad will be led by Rohit Paudel, with Dipendra Singh Airee as vice-captain. The squad includes Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Sompal Kami, Nandan Kumar Yadav, Karan KC, Rijan Dhakal, Lokesh Bam, and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi.
Nepal will play six league matches against strong opponents like Bangladesh A, Pakistan Shaheens, and Big Bash Academy teams including Melbourne Stars, Hobart Hurricanes, and Melbourne Renegades.
The Top End T20 Series features 11 teams from Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the USA. The top four teams will enter the semifinals, followed by the final.
If Nepal qualifies for the final, they will play a total of eight matches. This year’s tournament is more competitive, with more than double the teams compared to 2023.