Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) released the final 13-member squad for the ICC-Continental Challenge Cup to be held in Hiendhoek, Namibia from March 23-26.
According to press release issued by CAN, the selection committee headed by Bijaya Kumar Sharma has retained Binod Dad as a caption with Shakti Gauchan his deputy. The committee has brought two new faces for this tour while off-spinner Sanjam Regmi, U-19 vice captain Paras Khadka and pacer Avaya Rana missed the national squad.
According to Nepalese Cricket website- cricket.com.np, Paras chose to opt out of the team for his studies and all-rounder Aamir, who played for Nepal in the 2000 U-19 Cricket World Cup has been playing professional cricket in England and Scotland.
Dhirendra Chand, opener Paresh Lohani, U-19 captain Kanishka Chaugai, leg-spinner Raj Kumar Pradhan, Sharad Vesawkar, Gyanendra Malla, wicket-keeper Manoj Katuwal and Raju Basnet are all in the team. Roy Dias will be the coach while Sri Niwas Rana has been appointed the manager.
Team Captain Binod Das said that the match is do-or-die for Nepal as the winner qualifies for the eight-team ICC Inter Continental Cup. He added, “Nepal must win the match to qualify while a draw would be enough for Namibia for qualification as they are positioned above us in the rankings.”
The team are leaving on Saturday, March 18.