KATHMANDU:- Gripped by mid‑term election fever, the nation is abuzz with debates unfolding at homes, cafés, offices, and across social media. The public have become intensely divided along party lines, each side fiercely defending its loyalties.

Eager for change, voters now await the March 5 mid‑term election, anticipating a decisive shift in the political landscape.

Nepali cricket, too, is chasing its own breakthrough on the global stage, as the national side gears up for a third appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co‑hosted by neighbours India and Sri Lanka.

Energetic fans

All the election hullabaloo is set to pause for at least two weeks once the Nepali national team begins its World Cup campaign in India. With attention diverted to the cricketing stage, the once‑divisive public will unite behind their heroes.

Thousands of Nepali fans are expected to pack the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while back home, supporters will be glued to their screens, cheering for every ball. All of Nepal’s group‑stage matches will be played at a single venue – the Wankhede.

Given Mumbai’s proximity, many Nepalis are expected to travel, while migrant workers based in the city and across India will also make their presence felt. Reports suggest that ticket sales for Nepal’s matches rank second only to India’s, indicating a massive turnout of Nepali fans.

Nepali cricket is renowned for its passionate supporters. The electrifying energy they bring—both in stadiums and across online platforms—has already earned Nepal the ICC Fan Engagement Award multiple times. Their presence in Mumbai is certain to provide a powerful boost to the team.

Group C challenge

The global T20 event got under way in India and Sri Lanka on Saturday, with Nepal’s men’s team launching their campaign on Sunday against cricketing powerhouse England. Drawn in Group C, Nepal face two‑time world champions England and the West Indies, alongside Scotland and debutants Italy.

Nepal’s second outing comes against Italy on February 12, followed by a clash with the West Indies on February 15, before rounding off the group stage against Scotland on February 17.

The eleventh‑hour entry of associate side Scotland has raised Nepal’s hopes in the marquee event. Bangladesh’s refusal to play in India citing security concerns saw them removed from the tournament, with the ICC handing Scotland a late call‑up.

Still, Nepal will be under pressure in their opening match against England, the 2010 and 2022 T20 World Cup champions. Power hitters Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, and opener Phil Salt headline England’s batting, while Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid lead the bowling attack.

Nepal take confidence from their T20I series victory over the West Indies in 2025, though the Caribbean side has named a stronger squad for the 2026 campaign. Captain Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Shimron Hetmyer are among their standout players. Since winning their second world title in 2016, the West Indies have struggled to reach knockout stages, and their inconsistency may offer Nepal a chance at Super Eight qualification.

Scotland, meanwhile, remain one of the leading associate teams, making their fifth consecutive World Cup appearance. In recent T20I encounters, both Nepal and Scotland have traded wins, leaving each side well aware of the other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Debutants Italy booked their place by beating Scotland in the European qualifier. The Rhinos must not underestimate them: Italy have been in excellent form, recording wins against Test nation Ireland, as well as Namibia and Canada, in the build‑up to their World Cup debut.

Super Eight ambition

One upset win over cricketing giants England or the West Indies, combined with victories against debutants Italy and Scotland, could see Nepal progress beyond the group stage. Nepal were limited to the group stage in both their debut World Cup appearance in 2014 and their second outing in 2024.

In 2014, Nepal defeated Hong Kong and Afghanistan but lost to Bangladesh. When Bangladesh later fell to Hong Kong, Nepal missed out on the Super Eight due to net run rate.

After a ten‑year gap, Nepal returned to the World Cup in 2024. Though they failed to win a match, their valiant performances against South Africa and Bangladesh drew admiration from the cricketing world.

Captain Rohit Paudel is determined not to let Nepal’s second consecutive World Cup participation go in vain. For the third time in history, the Rhinos are part of the T20 World Cup—and this appearance feels more important than ever.

Paudel hopes the 2026 campaign will prove as inspirational as 2014: “The 2014 World Cup has inspired most of us in the squad. I hope the same will happen to aspiring cricketers back home.”

Expressing confidence in reaching the Super Eight, Paudel pointed to Nepal’s past performances against Test‑playing nations: “Beating a Test‑playing country would be a great opportunity for us. We can achieve that, looking at our past performances.”

“In the 2024 edition, we came very close against South Africa and Bangladesh. We also defeated the West Indies in Sharjah last year. Those results have given a lot of confidence to the players. Taking all these motivations, everyone is excited and confident of reaching the Super Eight.”

Nothing to lose

For Nepal, qualifying for the Super Eight is crucial, as the new rule grants automatic entry to the 2028 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand to any team that advances to that stage.

Before heading to India, Paudel stated that their goal is to demonstrate the highest standard of cricket. “As a team, we have nothing to lose and can play with freedom. We aim to display our abilities on a global stage.”

Stuart Law, former Australian international and current coach of the Nepali team, refuses to accept average performance when a major chance comes along.

“Our aim isn’t just to be among the teams that turn up and play. We want to play the highest standard of cricket. We’re ready to seize every opportunity and will approach the game with aggression, but always with caution. The Nepali team is experienced and prepared to give their best.”

Paudel guided the national team during the 2024 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies and is now leading them in the 2026 tournament. Along with skipper Paudel, most of the national team members were inspired to take the cricket-watching Nepal play their first World Cup in 2014.

Pace bowler Sompal Kami is the only player to be the part of the world cup squad in all three occasions while five players – Sher Malla, Basir Ahmed, Lokesh Bam, Aarif Sheikh and Nandan Yadav – are making their debut in the global event.

Spinner Sher Malla, who made a strong impact with his bowling in the second Nepal Premier League, will don the national colours for the first time.

Captain Paudel, Vice Captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sandeep Jora and Gulshan Jha were part of the 2024 World Cup team.

Prepared for test 

Nepal arrive in buoyant mood, having won both warm‑up matches against the UAE and Canada.

They have triumphed in ten of their last twelve T20 internationals, including a 2‑1 series victory over the West Indies in Sharjah in 2025. They also went unbeaten in the Asia‑EAP regional final in Oman.

Domestic exposure through the Nepal Premier League and practice fixtures against Sri Lanka A and Mumbai Cricket Association President’s XI have further sharpened preparations.

Nepal’s pace attack remains reliant on Sompal Kami and Karan KC, while Lamichhane spearheads the spin unit.

The absence of a specialist death‑over bowler is a concern.

In batting, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh provide stability at the top, with Paudel, Airee and Aarif Sheikh forming a strong middle order.

Gulshan Jha and Karan KC handle the death overs, while Airee’s all‑round versatility – particularly his sharp fielding and direct hits – can swing matches in Nepal’s favour.

With momentum behind them and fervent support guaranteed, Nepal enter the 2026 World Cup with renewed belief that this campaign could mark another landmark in Nepal’s cricket history.