KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 18
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Thursday bade farewell to the Nepali National Men's Cricket Team, which is set to play a historic three-match T20 International series against the West Indies.
With the T20 World Cup qualifier scheduled in Oman next month, CAN organized the bilateral series as part of the team's preparation, following last month's training tour in Australia.
At a press conference, CAN officials and players observed a minute of silence before lighting candles in tribute to those who lost their lives during the Gen-Z protests, which recently turned violent across the country, leaving many injured and causing property damage worth millions of rupees.
Speaking on the occasion, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka wished the team success and expressed confidence that the series would serve as a catalyst in preparing for the World Cup qualifier. He thanked the West Indies Cricket Board for the opportunity, noting that the series marks a new chapter in Nepali cricket and could pave the way for other Test-playing nations to visit Nepal for bilateral series.
Referring to the recent Gen-Z movement that ousted the KP Oli government, Khadka added that if the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is held on schedule, CAN and the franchise teams have agreed to donate ticket revenues from the opening match of the NPL's second edition to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.
He further added that, as the name suggests, the Unity Cup is not just a cricket match but a means to unite Nepalis across the globe during this time of crisis and political upheaval.
Skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel expressed optimism ahead of the series. "After our recent tour of Australia, where we gained valuable experience, we are excited about this historic series against the West Indies. There is a positive atmosphere within the team, and we are confident of testing ourselves against one of the best sides in the world - the two-time T20 World Cup champions," he said.
Meanwhile, Sandeep Jora and Mohammad Adil Alam have returned to the national squad after strong performances against Assam during the Nepal A tour to India.
According to CAN, the three T20 matches will be played on September 27, 29, and 30 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Nepal Squad:
Rohit Paudel (skipper), Dipendra Singh Airee (vc), Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Kushal Malla, Mohammad Adil Alam, Aarif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Narayan Rajbansi, Sompal Kami and Shahab Alam.
