By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Sep 19, 2025 05:10 AM • 19 views
The Nepal national cricket team received a formal farewell in Kathmandu on Thursday ahead of their landmark Unity Cup T20 series against the West Indies in the UAE. The farewell program, organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) at TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, was attended by National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, CAN Vice President Roshan Singh, and General Secretary Paras Khadka, among other officials. Speaking at the ceremony, captain Rohit Paudel expressed excitement over the opportunity to play a complete bilateral T20 series against the Caribbean side for the first time in history. He pledged that the team would aim for strong performances in Sharjah while keeping their bigger goal in mind — qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Before the program began, a candlelight tribute was offered in memory of those who lost their lives during the recent Gen Z movement.
Nepal and the West Indies will lock horns in a three-match T20 series scheduled for September 27, 29, and 30 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Unity Cup will serve as crucial preparation for Nepal ahead of the Asia Qualifier for the 2026 T20 World Cup in Oman. Following the qualifiers, Nepal will also participate in a Tri-Series of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, alongside hosts Oman and Canada.
Rohit Kumar Paudel will lead Nepal in the series, while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein will captain the West Indies.
West Indies Squad:
Akeal Hosein (C), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karim Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gishawn Mottara, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.
Nepal Squad:
Rohit Kumar Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee (VC), Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Kushal Malla, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Aadil Alam, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Arif Sheikh, Sandeep Jora, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Sahab Alam.
