By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Aug. 15: The Nepal national men’s cricket team departed for India on Friday to commence a 10-day training camp, marking the start of their preparations for the upcoming ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia.
The squad, led by newly reappointed captain Sandeep Lamichhane, aims to use the conditioning block in Bangalore to address technical shortcomings exposed during their recent ICC Cricket World Cup League-2 series in the Netherlands.
Nepal managed only one victory from four matches during the tour, resulting in the side slipping to seventh place in the League-2 standings with 24 points, overtaken by Canada.
Speaking at a farewell function hosted by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Lamichhane emphasised the necessity of the camp. “We head to Malaysia with strong motivation, but we first needed to reflect on our journey,” said the leg-spinner, who returns to the captaincy after a four-year hiatus.
“The conditions in Bangalore will closely resemble those in Malaysia, providing an ideal environment to rectify the mistakes made in the Netherlands and prepare to bring the trophy home.”
Addressing the change in leadership, Lamichhane underscored his commitment to building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, Rohit Paudel. He urged observers to view the captaincy transition as a strategic move for the collective good of the team rather than a personal matter. “Rohit has left a legacy, and we will focus on taking that forward. I accept this change positively and will give everything for the benefit of the team and the country,” he added.
Head coach Stuart Law expressed confidence in the squad’s composition, highlighting the blend of youth and experience as a vital asset for the Premier Cup. Law acknowledged that the team’s struggles in the Netherlands stemmed from poor decision-making under pressure and adapting to match conditions.
“Change signals a new era,” Law noted. “With a new captain and an energetic group of players, we aim to make an excellent start.”
CAN Secretary and former national cricketer Paras Khadka stated that although various questions had been raised regarding the new national squad and the change in captaincy, cricket is a team sport, making every player’s role equally important.
“While there may be questions regarding the new squad, our priority is to move forward,” said Khadka. “Nepal must win the ACC Premier Cup to qualify for the Asia Cup. Despite some recent inconsistencies, the team has achieved historic success over the last five years, and the association remains fully committed to supporting the players as we aim to reclaim the title.”
Nepal enters the tournament as the defending champions, having secured the inaugural edition of the ACC Premier Cup.
The Rising Nepal
