Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 24-member preliminary training camp squad as Nepal begins its early-stage preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The camp has been set up as an initial phase of preparation, with selected players expected to report and begin training from Monday.
The squad selection has drawn attention for including several players whose stocks rose during the recently concluded Nepal Premier League, where competitive match pressure and form gave selectors stronger signals on readiness and role suitability. Emerging mystery spinner Sher Malla, who impressed in the NPL, has been included in the camp, while Binod Bhandari, Abinash Bohara, Pratish GC, Ishan Pandey and Basir Ahamad have also earned places, reflecting CAN's intent to expand the national pool with in-form options from the domestic T20 circuit.
At the same time, Nepal's established core remains central to the group, with captain Rohit Paudel joined by senior names such as Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Aarif Sheikh, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla. Their presence provides continuity and experience as Nepal balances proven international performers with players pushing their case through recent domestic and franchise performances.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament set to take place in February and March. With that timeline in view, this camp is expected to play an important role in shaping Nepal's combinations.
The 24 players named in Nepal's training camp are Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Sundeep Jora, Dipendra Singh Airee, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Aarif Sheikh, Aadil Ansari, Sher Malla, Bhim Sharki, Binod Bhandari, Abinash Bohara, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Lalit Rajbanshi, Lokesh Bam, Karan KC, Sahab Alam, Ishan Pandey, Basir Ahamad, Pratish GC and Rupesh Kumar Singh.
