Nepal’s Crucial Step Towards 2027 World Cup Qualification
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Scotland, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s journey towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. Led by the dynamic Rohit Paudel and featuring a mix of established stars and exciting new talent, this squad represents Nepal’s strongest possible combination for the crucial tournament set to begin in June 2025.
Complete Squad Breakdown: Experience Meets Youth
Leadership Core
- Captain: Rohit Paudel (Middle-order batsman)
- Vice-Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee (Power-hitting all-rounder)
Batting Department
- Openers:
- Aasif Sheikh (Wicketkeeper-batsman)
- Kushal Bhurtel (Aggressive right-hander)
- Middle Order:
- Anil Kumar Sah (Solid No. 3)
- Bhim Sharki (Technically sound batsman)
- Aarif Sheikh (Reliable finisher)
All-Round Options
- Basir Ahmad (Spin-bowling all-rounder)
- Gulshan Kumar Jha (Pace-bowling all-rounder)
Bowling Attack
- Spinners:
- Sandeep Lamichhane (Lead leg-spinner)
- Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi (Left-arm orthodox)
- Pacers:
- Sompal Kami (Swing bowler)
- Karan KC (Death overs specialist)
- Rijan Dhakal (Emerging quick)
- Nandan Yadav (New call-up)
Key Selections and Notable Omissions
Major Inclusions
- Nandan Yadav’s Maiden Call-up:
- The 22-year-old fast bowler earned his spot through consistent performances in domestic cricket
- Adds much-needed depth to Nepal’s pace battery
- Known for his ability to swing the ball at good pace
- Return of Experienced Campaigners:
- Sandeep Lamichhane back to lead the spin attack
- Sompal Kami and Karan KC continuing as pace spearheads
Surprising Exclusions
- Shubh Kansakar: The talented youngster was widely tipped for selection
- Pratish GC: The all-rounder misses out despite decent recent form
- Shahab Alam: The pacer’s omission raises eyebrows given his experience
Tournament Preparation and Schedule
Pre-Series Warm-ups
The Nepali team will undergo an intensive preparation phase including:
- Two-week training camp in Kathmandu
- Practice matches against English county sides
- Specialized sessions focusing on Scottish conditions
League 2 Fixtures
Nepal will play:
- June 10: vs Scotland (Aberdeen)
- June 12: vs Netherlands (Edinburgh)
- June 15: vs Scotland (Glasgow)
- June 18: vs Netherlands (Dundee)
Team Composition Analysis
Batting Strengths
- Solid opening pair of Sheikh and Bhurtel
- Experience in middle-order with Paudel and Airee
- Depth till No. 9 with all-rounders
Bowling Resources
- Spin Duo: Lamichhane and Rajbanshi offer variety
- Pace Quartet: Kami, KC, Dhakal and Yadav provide options
- Part-time Options: Airee and Ahmad can chip in
Players to Watch
- Rohit Paudel (Captain)
- Needs to lead from front with bat
- Crucial in stabilizing middle-order
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Returning after injury concerns
- Expected to be wicket-taking threat
- Nandan Yadav
- X-factor player with raw pace
- Could surprise opposition batsmen
Tournament Significance for Nepal Cricket
The CWC League 2 represents:
- Direct pathway to 2027 World Cup
- Opportunity to improve ODI ranking
- Chance to test bench strength
- Platform for young players to shine
Historical Context: Nepal in CWC League 2
Looking back at Nepal’s previous performances:
- 2019-2023 cycle: Finished 5th out of 7 teams
- Key wins against UAE and Namibia
- Struggles against stronger associates
Expert Predictions and Expectations
Cricket analysts suggest:
- Nepal should target at least 3 wins
- Scotland will be toughest opponents
- Netherlands matches are 50-50 contests
- Key to success will be consistent batting
Post-Tournament Plans: T20I Tri-Series
After League 2 concludes:
- Nepal stays in Scotland for T20Is
- Three new players join squad:
- Kiran Thagunna (WK/Batsman)
- Lokesh Bam (Aggressive opener)
- Rupesh Kumar Singh (All-rounder)
Fan Expectations and Social Media Buzz
Early reactions from Nepali fans:
- Excitement about Nandan’s inclusion
- Questions about Kansakar’s omission
- Hope for Lamichhane’s full fitness
- Expectations of competitive showing
Conclusion: Nepal’s Moment to Shine
This CWC League 2 campaign represents a golden opportunity for Nepal to:
- Establish themselves as top Associate nation
- Develop young talent for future
- Build momentum towards World Cup
- Inspire next generation of cricketers
Stay tuned to CricGend for exclusive match coverage, player interviews, and in-depth analysis throughout Nepal’s CWC League 2 journey!