KATHMANDU, MARCH 29

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 21-member preliminary team for the ACC Men's Premier Cup tournament scheduled to take place in Nepal from April 18 to May 1.

The selected team members are Sandeep Lamichhane, Gyanendra Malla, Aarif Shekh, Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sarki, Aasif Shekh, Pratish GC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Rohit Paudel and Sandip Jora. Likewise, other members are Sompal Kami, Kishor Mahato, Kushal Malla, Shyam Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee, Dipendra Singh Airee, Arjun Saud, Gulshan Jha, Surya Tamang, Karan KC and Dev Khanal.

Organised by the Asian Cricket Council, various 10 countries will participate in the tournament that will take place at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground and Mulpani Cricket Ground.

The participating teams have been divided into two groups. Nepal is placed in Group 'A' alongside Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Qatar and Oman. Similarly, Kuwait, Bahrain, Singapore, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates are grouped 'B'.

Nepal will take on Malaysia in the opening match. The winner will qualify for the Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan in coming September.