Nepal Announce 14-Member ACC Premier Cup Squad: Sandeep Takes ODI Captaincy
Kathmandu: Nepal have unveiled their 14-member squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Premier Cup, with Sandeep Lamichhane taking charge as the team’s new One Day International captain.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) confirmed the squad and leadership change on Monday, setting the stage for a fresh chapter in Nepal’s 50-over cricket.
The tournament will be played in Malaysia from August 30 to September 12, giving Lamichhane his first major assignment after returning to the ODI leadership role. He replaces Rohit Paudel, who had been Nepal’s 50-over captain since late 2022.
Sandeep Lamichhane Returns to the ODI Captaincy
The decision brings Sandeep Lamichhane back into the spotlight as Nepal prepare for another important international campaign. The leg-spinner previously captained Nepal in 14 ODIs before Rohit Paudel took over the leadership in 2022.
Lamichhane now faces a different challenge. He will have to balance his responsibilities as captain with his role as one of Nepal’s most important bowling options. His ability to read the game and create pressure with the ball could become a major factor in Nepal’s campaign.
14 Players Selected for the Premier Cup
CAN has selected a blend of experienced internationals and emerging players for the tournament. The squad includes former captain Rohit Paudel, opening batter Aasif Sheikh, young batter Arjun Kumal and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee.
- Sandeep Lamichhane – Captain
- Rohit Paudel
- Aasif Sheikh
- Arjun Kumal
- Dev Khanal
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Basir Ahamad
- Ishan Pandey
- Gulshan Jha
- Sher Malla
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Karan KC
- Hemant Dhami
- Sundeep Jora
Rohit Paudel Stays in the Squad Despite Losing Captaincy
The leadership change does not mean the end of Rohit Paudel‘s role in the team. The former captain remains part of the 14-member squad and could provide valuable experience during the campaign.
His presence alongside Sandeep Lamichhane gives Nepal two players with previous leadership experience. That combination could prove important when the team faces pressure in crucial stages of the tournament.
The Big Test: ACC Premier Cup in Malaysia
The ACC Premier Cup will be the first major test of Sandeep Lamichhane‘s new ODI captaincy. With the tournament scheduled across August and September, Nepal will need consistency from both its experienced players and its younger prospects.
The limited size of the squad also places greater importance on player fitness, team balance and tactical decisions. Lamichhane will have to make the most of his available resources while building a winning combination for each match.
Experience Meets Youth in Nepal’s Squad
Nepal’s selection brings together established names and players looking to make a stronger mark at international level. Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha and Lalit Rajbanshi bring international experience, while Arjun Kumal, Dev Khanal and Hemant Dhami represent the younger side of the squad.
That mix could give Nepal flexibility across batting and bowling. The team’s success, however, will depend on how quickly the players adapt to the new leadership structure and deliver under tournament pressure.
Final Verdict: A New Captain and a Fresh Opportunity
With Sandeep Lamichhane back as ODI captain, Nepal head into the ACC Premier Cup with a clear change at the top. The 14-member squad gives the new captain a combination of experience, youth and attacking options.
Now the spotlight moves from the selection room to the cricket field. Nepal’s performance in Malaysia will provide the first real answer to whether Lamichhane’s return to the ODI captaincy can spark a strong new phase for the national team.
