Delhi: Preparations have intensified for the cricket competition in the Asian Games 2026. India's neighboring country Nepal has announced its 15-member team for men's cricket. The command of the team has been handed over to star all-rounder Deependra Singh Airi. He will be seen captaining Nepal for the first time in a multi-country tournament. Earlier, he had led the team in the Asian Games Qualifier.
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Airi becomes captain in place of Rohit Paudel
Deependra has got the captaincy in place of Rohit Paudel. However, Rohit has got a place in the team and he will be seen playing in the Asian Games. Nepal has made this change in leadership after T20 World Cup 2026.
Airi is among the leading all-rounders of Nepal. In the Asian Games, along with captaincy, he will also have important responsibilities in batting and bowling. This will be the first time that he will lead Nepal in a multi-country tournament in which teams from full member countries will also participate.
This all-rounder also returned
All-rounder Kushal Malla has also returned to the Nepal team. Malla has performed well after returning to the team in April. He has scored 130 runs during this period. This also includes an unbeaten inning of 85 runs against China. Apart from this, he has taken six wickets with left arm spin bowling. Malla is among the six batsmen of Nepal who have scored more than 1000 runs in T20 International.
Experienced players have also been included in Nepal's team. Leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, opening batsmen Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh are part of the team. Fast bowlers Karan KC and Sompal Kami are also in the team. Sher Malla and left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi will strengthen Nepal's spin department. Gulshan Jha gives all-round option in the team. Baseer Ahmed has also got a place in the team. He was also a part of the T20 World Cup team and played in the bilateral series against UAE.
Cricket competition will start from 24th September
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The cricket competition of the Asian Games will start from September 24 in Nissin, Japan. The final match will be played on 3 October. Nepal will face Afghanistan on 25 September and Japan on 26 September in its opening matches.
FAQ
Who will captain the Nepal cricket team in the Asian Games 2026?
Nepal's men's cricket team will be captained by all-rounder Deependra Singh Ari in the Asian Games 2026. He has taken this responsibility in place of Rohit Paudel.
Who will Nepal face first in the Asian Games 2026?
Nepal will play its first match against Afghanistan on 25 September. Next day on 26th September, it will face Japan.