KATHMANDU: Nepal have announced a 14-member squad for the ACC Premier Cup in Malaysia, with several established names left out as a number of young players earn opportunities under new captain Sandeep Lamichhane.

The Premier Cup is a crucial tournament for Nepal, with the winner securing a place in the Asia Cup. The tournament was played in T20 format in 2024 but will be contested in the ODI format this year.

Star opener Kushal Bhurtel has been omitted after a disappointing showing in the recent League 2 series in the Netherlands. Aasif Sheikh and Arjun Kumal have been selected as the specialist openers.

Veteran all-rounder Sompal Kami and young pacer Nandan Yadav, who was injured during the Netherlands series, have also missed out. Experienced pacer Karan KC and Hemant Dhami are the only specialist fast bowlers in the squad, with Gulshan Jha likely to provide the third pace option.

Nepal’s spin department remains strong, led by captain Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi, with Sher Malla also included as a specialist spinner. Dipendra Singh Airee, Basir Ahmad, Ishan Pandey and Rohit Paudel can provide additional part-time spin options.

Aarif Sheikh, long regarded as a dependable middle-order player, has also been dropped. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Binod Bhandari has been left out again after returning to the national side for just three matches without a significant impact.

Bhim Sharki, who had been used as a specialist ODI batter, has also failed to make the squad. Ishan Pandey is expected to take up the No. 3 role, despite also struggling in the Netherlands.

The squad features a strong contingent of younger players, including Arjun Kumal, Sandeep Jora, Dev Khanal, Basir Ahmad, Ishan Pandey, Sher Malla and Hemant Dhami.

The selection marks a significant shift in Nepal’s squad composition. A strong performance by the new-look side could put the places of several established players under further pressure.