Nepal's historic three-match T20I series win over the West Indies has given fans countless reasons to celebrate. For one player in particular, however, it has turned into a truly unforgettable chapter – Mohammad Aadil Alam’s sensational return to international cricket.
Nepal clinched the Unity Cup series with a game to spare, and Aadil played a starring role in the second T20I at Sharjah. Drafted into the XI after Nandan Yadav was sidelined by injury, head coach Stuart Law backed the 20-year-old seamer for his first appearance since 2022. Aadil justified that faith in style.
Making his comeback after nearly three years away from the national side due to a spot-fixing suspension, Aadil looked composed and hungry from the moment he stepped onto the field.
With the bat, he chipped in a valuable cameo – 11 runs off 5 balls in the final overs, including a six and a four. But it was with the ball that he made his mark. Introduced in the eighth over, he ripped through the West Indies batting order, finishing with career-best figures of 4/24. Remarkably, he took a wicket in each of his overs (8th, 10th, 12th and 16th), breaking the Caribbean resistance and leaving the Sharjah crowd in raptures.
#ICYMI - From suspension to stardom: Aadil Alam's fairytale return to international cricket
👉11 off 5 balls (1 four, 1 six)
👉4 wickets in his spell (wickets in each over)What a Comeback. Well done Mohammad Aadil Alam!!#NepalCricket #NEPvWI #cricket #T20Is pic.twitter.com/uC2B6fDzvt
— cricnepal.com 🇳🇵 🦏 (@cricnepal) September 30, 2025
Aadil had been sidelined since 2022 after facing spot-fixing allegations during the Nepal T20 League. He was later cleared by the Kathmandu District Court in 2023, and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) formally lifted his ban in April 2025.
During his absence, Aadil stayed committed to the game, training tirelessly on his own and gaining experience in domestic competitions in India. His dedication paid off when he was recalled to the national team earlier this year.
A comeback to remember
Aadil's performance was more than just numbers; it was a statement of resilience and determination. From being forced out of the game under a cloud of controversy to returning as a match-winner, his journey has come full circle.
For Nepal, his dream comeback only adds to the historic significance of the series. For Aadil himself, it is a fresh start - one that reaffirms his hunger for cricket and his place in the national setup.
With this comeback, Aadil Alam has not just reintroduced himself to Nepali fans, but also to the wider cricket world.
