Sher Malla gets Nepal call-up for the first time in T20 WC squad that will see Rohit Paudel lead the side in the tournament.
Sher Malla, an offspinner, has been called up for the first time to the Nepal team for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. All-rounder Basir Ahamad has also joined Nepal, while Kushal Malla, who participated in the T20 World Cup qualifier in October of last year, has been left out.
In their second consecutive T20 World Cup, top-order batsman Rohit Paudel will captain the team, with all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee serving as his deputy.
Sher Malla received recognition for his outstanding performance in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025. With 17 wickets in ten games at an economy rate of 6.50, he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker. He won the Emerging-Player-of-the-Tournament title and was instrumental in the Lumbini Lions’ victory.
The team features a good balance of productive all-rounders and top-order hitters. Legspinner Sandeep Lamicchane will be the main bowler, with additional spin options from Lalit Rajbanshi, Malla, and Airee. Along with Nandan Yadav, Sompal Kami, and all-rounder Gulsan Jha, Karan KC will be in charge of the fast-bowling unit. The 15-man Nepal team still relies heavily on its all-rounders.
The batting team will be led by 23-year-old Paudel, with Aasif Sheikh providing solidity and the aggressive Kushal Bhurtel at the top of the order. When it comes to finishing touches with the bat, Jha and Airee will be crucial.
At the 2024 T20 World Cup, Nepal played four games and, despite not winning any of them, they came close to defeating Bangladesh and South Africa. They will play all of their group games at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where they will begin their 2026 campaign on February 8 against England.