15th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially announced the final 16-member squad that will represent the nation in the highly anticipated Unity Cup T20I series against a formidable West Indies side.
Nepal Cricket Unity Cup
The three-match series, a landmark event for Nepali cricket, is set to be held in the United Arab Emirates in the final week of September.
The squad announcement, which has been the subject of intense speculation among cricket fans, confirms the return of two key players who have been out of the national setup for some time.
All-rounder Mohammad Aadil Alam and batsman Sundeep Jora have both earned their spot back in the national side. Alam, who last featured for Nepal in 2022, and Jora, who was part of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, have been rewarded for their stellar performances with the Nepal A team.
Both players were instrumental in Nepal A’s recent success in a five-match T20 series against an Assam State team in India, showcasing their form and readiness for the international stage.
The return of Alam and Jora adds significant depth and experience to the squad. Jora, known for his explosive hitting, and Alam, a versatile all-rounder, will be crucial assets as Nepal faces a world-class team.
Their inclusion highlights CAN’s commitment to providing opportunities to players who perform well at the domestic and A-team level. This merit-based selection approach is a positive sign for the future of Nepali cricket, encouraging healthy competition and high-quality performances across all levels.
Leading the charge for the Nepali team will be the dynamic captain, Rohit Kumar Paudel. His leadership, both with the bat and in the field, has been a cornerstone of Nepal’s recent successes.
Under his captaincy, Nepal has shown remarkable resilience and skill, solidifying its position as a rising force in global cricket. Joining him as vice-captain is the highly-rated all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, whose contributions with both bat and ball have been vital for the team.
The Paudel-Airee partnership is expected to be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the West Indies. The rest of the squad is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.
The explosive Kushal Bhurtel, wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh, and batting powerhouse Kushal Malla are all part of the batting lineup, providing a mix of aggression and stability.
The fast-bowling department will be handled by the likes of Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Gulshan Jha, all of whom have the ability to trouble the opposition with their pace and variations.
In the spin department, the world-renowned Sandeep Lamichhane, along with Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Sahab Alam, will look to exploit the conditions in the UAE.
This three-match T20I series is not just another fixture; it is a historic occasion. It marks the first time Nepal will play a bilateral T20I series against a Test-playing nation.
The series, named the “Unity Cup,” carries a special significance, as CAN stated it was named in honor of the lives lost during the recent youth protests in Nepal. This gesture underscores the power of sports to unite a nation and provide a platform for healing and harmony.
For the Nepali team, this series offers an invaluable opportunity to test their mettle against a team of international repute. It will serve as a crucial learning experience and a barometer of their progress on the world stage.
The results of these matches, while important, are secondary to the experience and exposure the players will gain. The series will undoubtedly be a memorable moment for every Nepali cricket fan, who will be eagerly following the matches from around the globe.
For more: Nepal Cricket Unity Cup