KATHMANDU: The Nepal national cricket team was given an official farewell on Thursday as it prepares to face the West Indies in the Unity Cup T20I series, scheduled from September 27 to 30 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) organized the send-off program at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, attended by National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, CAN Vice President Roshan Singh, and CAN Secretary Paras Khadka, among others.
Speaking at the event, Secretary Khadka urged the team to perform well against the West Indies and carry the same momentum into the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers that follow. Member Secretary Ghising echoed similar sentiments, noting the growing passion for cricket across Nepal and expressing hopes for a strong showing in both the series and the qualifiers.
Team captain Rohit Paudel said the squad was eager to make history. “We are very excited to play this series. The preparation has been really good, especially after playing competitive matches in Australia. We are confident and motivated to challenge West Indies and then qualify for the World Cup,” he said.
Assistant coach Gyanendra Malla described the series as a historic opportunity. “We are at a special moment. This is the right chance to test ourselves against a world-class side and get ready for the qualifiers,” he said.
This series marks Nepal’s first-ever bilateral series against a Test-playing nation. The West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions, represent the highest-profile opponent Nepal has faced in a bilateral contest, making the series a milestone in Nepali cricket.
The series will feature three matches on September 27, 28, and 30. West Indies will be led by captain Akeal Hosein.
Two players, Mohammad Adil Alam and Sundeep Jora, have returned to the national squad. Adil, selected for the first time since 2022, impressed recently in Nepal ‘A’ matches against Assam with his finishing ability and part-time bowling. Jora, who last played for Nepal at the 2022 T20 World Cup, returned with match-winning half-centuries in the same series.
Both players expressed happiness about their comebacks. “I am very happy to return to the national side. Now the focus is on performing even better,” said Adil, adding that playing against the West Indies would be a huge learning experience. “I’ll try to hit some sixes against their bowlers — there’s no other option,” he joked.
Jora said he sees the series as a rare opportunity. “This kind of chance doesn’t come often. I want to make the most of it and contribute to the team’s success,” he said.
Captain Paudel welcomed their return, saying the squad was more balanced and stronger with their inclusion. “Adil adds depth as a finisher, and Jora’s batting form has strengthened our middle order,” he noted.
The Unity Cup serves as Nepal’s final preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Regional Final. The team has been building towards this moment for months, starting with the four-nation series in Hong Kong, followed by the League 2 series in Scotland, training camps in the UK, and most recently, the Top End T20 series in Australia.
With exposure to different playing conditions across Europe and Australia, Nepal is aiming to carry that experience into the UAE series and the qualifiers. “If we perform well against West Indies, that confidence will help us secure qualification for the World Cup,” Paudel said.
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