Lamichhane named Nepal ODI captain for ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026
Synopsis
Sandeep Lamichhane reclaims the Nepal ODI captaincy — the leg-spinner who holds virtually every Nepali bowling record now returns to lead a reshuffled side into the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026 in Malaysia. With Rohit Paudel stepping aside after a historic run, this is a generational handover that could define Nepal's next chapter in 50-over cricket.
Key Takeaways
Sandeep Lamichhane was appointed Nepal's ODI captain by the Cricket Association of Nepal on 10 August , replacing Rohit Paudel .
Lamichhane, 26 , previously captained Nepal in 14 ODIs before Paudel took charge in late 2022 .
He has taken 154 wickets in 77 ODIs and is the first Nepali to cross 100 T20I wickets .
Under Paudel, Nepal won 11 of their final 12 ICC World Cup League 2 matches to qualify for the ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, June 2023 .
The ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026 runs from 30 August to 12 September in Malaysia — the third edition of the tournament.
Kushal Bhurtel , Bhim Sharki , Nandan Yadav , and Binod Bhandari are among those dropped from the squad.
Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been appointed as Nepal's new ODI captain by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Monday, 10 August, replacing long-serving skipper Rohit Paudel. The announcement came alongside the squad declaration for the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026, scheduled from 30 August to 12 September in Malaysia.
Lamichhane's Return to Leadership
The 26-year-old Lamichhane is no stranger to the captaincy role — he previously led Nepal in 14 ODIs before Paudel took charge in late 2022. He returns to the helm armed with considerable international credentials, having claimed 154 wickets in 77 ODIs. Lamichhane holds the distinction of being the fastest Nepali bowler to reach the 150-ODI-wicket milestone and is the first player from his country to surpass 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.
Paudel's Tenure: A Successful Chapter
Paudel's exit from the captaincy closes a chapter marked by one of Nepal cricket's most celebrated runs. Under his leadership, Nepal staged a remarkable comeback in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, winning 11 of their final 12 matches to secure a direct berth at the ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in June 2023. Beyond results, Paudel was a reliable middle-order anchor throughout his tenure and will continue as a squad member.
Squad Changes for the Premier Cup
The CAN has made several notable selection calls for the tournament. Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sharki, Nandan Yadav, and Binod Bhandari have been left out. In their place, Sompal Kami, Aarif Sheikh, Dev Khanal, Sher Malla, Sundeep Jora, and Basir Ahamad have been included.
About the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026
This edition will be the third instalment of the tournament and will be played in the 50-over format. Notably, Nepal won the inaugural 2023 edition as the host nation, giving them a strong pedigree heading into the Malaysia leg. The competition serves as a key platform for Associate nations to sharpen their ODI credentials.
Nepal's Full Squad
Sandeep Lamichhane (c), Aasif Sheikh, Arjun Kumal, Rohit Paudel, Dev Khanal, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Basir Ahamad, Ishan Pandey, Gulsan Jha, Sher Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Hemant Dhami.
With Lamichhane back at the helm, Nepal will look to build on their growing stature in the 50-over format as they eye a strong showing in Malaysia.
Point of View
A marquee name at the top could attract attention and sponsorship as much as it could win matches. The real question is whether the squad reshuffle — dropping experienced names like Bhurtel — reflects a genuine form-based reset or a political realignment within Nepal cricket's administration. Lamichhane's first stint ended without a clear reason for the change; how the CAN manages this transition will matter as much as results in Malaysia.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sandeep Lamichhane appointed Nepal's ODI captain?
The Cricket Association of Nepal appointed Sandeep Lamichhane as ODI captain on 10 August 2026, replacing Rohit Paudel ahead of the ACC Men's Premier Cup. Lamichhane brings extensive international experience, including 154 ODI wickets in 77 matches, and had previously captained Nepal in 14 ODIs before Paudel took over in late 2022.
What is the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026?
The ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026 is a 50-over cricket tournament for Asian Associate nations, scheduled from 30 August to 12 September in Malaysia. It is the third edition of the competition; Nepal won the inaugural 2023 edition as the host nation.
What did Rohit Paudel achieve as Nepal's ODI captain?
Under Rohit Paudel's captaincy, Nepal won 11 of their final 12 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 matches, securing a direct berth at the ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in June 2023. He also served as a dependable middle-order batter throughout his tenure.
Who has been dropped from Nepal's squad for the ACC Premier Cup?
Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sharki, Nandan Yadav, and Binod Bhandari have been left out of Nepal's squad for the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026. Sompal Kami, Aarif Sheikh, Dev Khanal, Sher Malla, Sundeep Jora, and Basir Ahamad have been included in their place.
What records does Sandeep Lamichhane hold in Nepal cricket?
Sandeep Lamichhane is the fastest Nepali bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets and the first player from Nepal to surpass 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. He has taken 154 wickets in 77 ODIs overall.
