Nepal have announced their 15-player squad for the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games. All-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee leads the squad. Airee takes over the leadership role from Rohit Paudel, who continues in the squad. The change comes after the T20 World Cup earlier this year. This is the first time Airee will lead the team in a multi-team tournament.
This will be Airee’s first time captaining Nepal in a multi-team tournament that includes Full Member sides, following his previous leadership at the Asian Games Qualifier. Meanwhile, an all-rounder has made his return to the team. Malla has shown strong form since his comeback in April, scoring 130 runs, including an unbeaten 85 against China and claiming six wickets with his left-arm spin. He is one of the six players from Nepal's batting list with over 1000 T20I runs.
Asian Games: Nepal announces 15-player cricket squad led by Dipendra Singh
The squad also features experienced players such as leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, and pace bowlers Karan KC and Sompal Kami. Off-spinner Sher Malla and left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi strengthen the spin options, while Gulsan Jha provides further all-round balance. Additionally, Basir Ahamad has also made it into the squad. The all-rounder was also in the T20 World Cup squad.
Ahamad was featured against UAE in their bilateral series. The cricket event begins on 24 September in Nisshin, Japan, with the final scheduled for 3 October. Nepal are set to face Afghanistan and Japan in their opening matches on 25 and 26 September. Meanwhile, here is a look at their full squad since the country has announced the team for the Asian Games 2026.
Nepal’s full squad for Asian Games 2026
Dipendra Singh Airee (capt), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Sundeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla.
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