The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 15-member squad for the Nepali women’s national team ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier, set to be hosted in Kathmandu from January 14 to February 1.
Indu Barma will lead the side as captain, with Pooja Mahato named vice-captain. The squad includes Manisha Upadhyay, Rubina Chhetri, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Kajal Shrestha, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Rachana Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman "Somu" Bista and Rajmati Airee.
The tournament will mark Harshal Pathak's first assignment as head coach of Nepal’s women’s team and the first time Nepal host a women’s ICC event. Nepal have reached this stage for the first time in their history and will now chase a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup berth.
CAN selected the final squad from 20 players in second-phase training. Ruby Poddar, Sana Pravin, Ishwori Bist, Soni Pakhrin and Laxmi Saud missed out on the final list. Experienced all-rounder Sita Rana Magar returns to the national side, while Suman Bista and Kajal Shrestha have also earned recalls.
Nepal have been placed in Group B alongside Scotland, Thailand, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Group A features Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Papua New Guinea and the United States. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super 6s, with the top four overall securing qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales later this year.
Global Qualifier matches will be played at the TU International Ground and Mulpani Cricket Ground, with warm-up games scheduled on January 13 and January 16. Nepal begin their campaign against Thailand on January 18.
