Ex-Delhi Capitals leg-spinner named Nepal ODI captain, replaces Rohit Paudel

Sandeep Lamichhane has returned as Nepal's ODI captain, replacing Rohit Paudel ahead of the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026. Nepal will begin their campaign against Bahrain on August 31, with the tournament running in Malaysia until September 12.Sandeep Lamichhane has been named Nepal ODI captain. Courtesy: Lamichhane InstagramFormer Delhi Capitals leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been appointed Nepal's ODI captain for the upcoming ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026, replacing Rohit Paudel at the helm.The 26-year-old will return to the leadership role as Nepal prepare for the 10-team tournament in Malaysia, which will be played from August 30 to September 12. Lamichhane previously captained Nepal in 14 ODIs before Paudel took over in 2022.Lamichhane is Nepal's leading ODI wicket-taker and has been one of the country's most influential cricketers. He became the fastest Nepalese bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets and has also been a key part of the team's recent success in the format.Paudel, meanwhile, leaves the captaincy after playing an important role in Nepal's rise in international cricket. He has remained a key batter and leader for the side, with his recent performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 also helping Nepal stay in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup. LAMICHHANE BEGINS CAPTAINCY STINT AGAINST BAHRAINNepal will begin their Premier Cup campaign against Bahrain on August 31 at the YSD UKM Oval in Bangi. They will then face Malaysia on September 3 before taking on Saudi Arabia on September 6. Nepal's final group-stage match will be against Hong Kong on September 8.The tournament features 10 teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for September 10. The third-place playoff and final will take place on September 12, with the championship match scheduled at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Lamichhane's return to the captaincy adds another dimension to Nepal's campaign. The leg-spinner was also among the standout performers for Nepal in the 2026 World Cup League 2, including a three-wicket haul against Scotland in May.NEPAL SQUAD FOR ACC MEN’S PREMIER CUP 2026Sandeep Lamichhane (captain), Aasif Sheikh, Arjun Kumal, Rohit Paudel, Dev Khanal, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Basir Ahamad, Ishan Pandey, Gulshan Jha, Sher Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Hemant Dhami.NEPAL’S GROUP STAGE FIXTURES:August 31: Nepal vs Bahrain, YSD UKM Oval, BangiSeptember 3: Malaysia vs Nepal, YSD UKM Oval, BangiSeptember 6: Nepal vs Saudi Arabia, Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Kuala LumpurSeptember 8: Nepal vs Hong Kong, Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Kuala Lumpur- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Aug 10, 2026 21:26 IST