Nepal Asian Games 2026 squad announced [Source: AFP]In the latest development, Nepal has announced its squad for the 2026 Asian Games. The selectors have named Dipendra Singh Airee as the new captain, replacing Rohit Paudel after the 2026 T20 World Cup.Airee also led Nepal in the Asian Games qualifier in May-June, and the team will be relatively confident of putting up a strong performance in the upcoming marquee event.Nepal Asian Games 2026 squadDipendra Singh Airee (capt), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Sundeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher MallaWhy Nepal removed Paudel as captain?Paudel was the captain of Nepal, but the management made a bold call after the T20 World Cup 2026. Nepal were in Group C in the World Cup, and they finished last, winning just a solitary game and ending the tournament with just 2 points.Under Paudel, Nepal’s form dipped across formats, and Paudel himself struggled for runs in white-ball cricket. Pressure was mounting from the fans, and thus, the management decided to remove him from the captaincy post, and a new leader was appointed.Kushal Malla returns to Nepal teamNepal has been bolstered by the arrival of Kushal Malla back in their T20I team for the Asian Games. Malla missed the T20 World Cup 2026, but since his comeback in April this year, the batter has scored 130 runs, including an unbeaten 85 against China.Also Read: India's Asian Games Schedule Suddenly ChangedMalla will once again hold the key for Nepal as he is one of the five batters from the team with more than 1000 T20I runs. The Nepal selectors, however, have left out all-rounder Basir Ahamad from the Asian Games team.Nepal include experienced campaigners in Asian Games 2026 squadWhile Malla is back in the side, the selectors have also picked a relatively experienced squad with the likes of Kushal Bhurtel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Aasif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami all picked for the marquee event.Meanwhile, off-spinner Sher Malla, who was drafted into the side for the T20 World Cup 2026, has also been selected in the Nepal squad.Nepal will certainly rely on their bowling department, with Sher Malla and Lamichhane handling the spin department, while Karan KC and Kami will take care of the pace-bowling department.How Nepal fared in their last Asian Games?The Nepal side also played in the 2023 Asian Games, and the team topped their group by winning two out of two, with an astonishing net run rate of +10.275. In the Quarters, the side collided with India, and they put on a spirited performance.In the quarters, India scored 202/4, and Nepal just fell short as the side managed to score 179 and crashed out of the tournament.Nepal's Asian Games 2026 fixturesNepal has been placed in Group A for the upcoming Asian Games. Japan and Afghanistan are the other teams in their group.One team from each group will reach the quarters, and Nepal will aim to finish at the top to reach the next stage of the competition.Also Read: WPL 2027 Auction Date Fixed, Varanasi Stadium To Get 1st Massive Match
