Nepal’s Final League 2 Test: Four Matches, Everything to Play For

Nepal Announces Squad for Oman

KATHMANDU, October 2, 2026

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced Nepal’s 15-member national squad under captain Sandeep Lamichhane for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series in Oman this October, where Nepal will face Canada and host Oman in its final four matches of the current League 2 campaign. The matches are important because Nepal is currently seventh in the eight-team standings and is trying to move into the top six.

Who Is in Nepal’s Squad?

The squad includes:

Sandeep Lamichhane (Captain), Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Dev Khanal, Ishan Pandey, Rohit Paudel, Arjun Kumal, Sundeep Jora, Gulshan Jha, Basir Ahmad, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Shahab Alam and Sher Malla.

Experienced players Kushal Bhurtel and Sompal Kami are not included in the squad. Nandan Yadav has returned to the team after missing the ACC Premier Cup due to injury, while pacer Hemant Dhami is not part of the Oman squad.

Sandeep Remains ODI Captain

Sandeep Lamichhane will continue to lead Nepal's ODI side after CAN appointed him captain in August 2026, replacing Rohit Paudel.

According to the ICC, Lamichhane had previously captained Nepal in 14 ODIs before Paudel took over in 2022. At the time of his August appointment, Lamichhane had taken 154 wickets in 77 ODIs.

Where Does Nepal Stand?

Nepal enters its final League 2 series in seventh place, with 24 points from 32 matches. Canada is immediately ahead in sixth with 25 points from 32 matches, while Oman has 31 points from 28 matches.

With four matches remaining, Nepal will have a maximum of eight more points available, making every match in Oman important to its final position.

When Will Nepal Play?

According to the ICC's official fixture schedule, all four of Nepal's remaining matches will be played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.

October 11: Canada vs Nepal
October 13: Oman vs Nepal
October 17: Canada vs Nepal
October 19: Oman vs Nepal

The broader Oman series has been reported as beginning on October 7, but Nepal's first scheduled ODI is against Canada on October 11.

Why the Series Matters

Nepal has only four matches left in its League 2 campaign. The team is currently one point behind sixth-placed Canada, making the two direct meetings between Nepal and Canada particularly important to the standings.

The League 2 cycle is also part of the qualification pathway toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, adding further importance to Nepal's final series.

One Final Push

Nepal will travel to Oman following its successful ACC Premier Cup campaign, but the focus will now shift back to 50-over cricket.

With Canada and Oman standing between Nepal and the end of its League 2 campaign, the four matches in Al Amerat will determine where Nepal finishes after its 36-match journey.