Hosts Nepal on Monday announced an 18-man squad for the Nepal T20I Triangular Series, featuring the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong.

Nepal take on the UAE at the Mulpani Cricket Ground on Wednesday in the inaugural match of the tri-series, which will serve as the warm-up for all three teams ahead of their ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier—part of the qualification process for the 2024 Men’s World Cup.

Nepal will be without star bowler Sandeep Lamichhane, who pulled out of the tri-series on Friday saying he had been going through “difficult and challenging times” and needed time to “revitalise” himself.

Lamichhane is currently facing trial on the charge of raping a minor.

Lamichhane is expected to be back on national duty when the regional final kicks off in Kathmandu on October 30.

Lalit Rajbanshi has returned to the squad after recovering from an injury he sustained during a practice match ahead of the 19th Asian Games cricket competition.

Rajbanshi will lead Nepal’s spin attack with Mausam Dhakal, who has been given a chance to showcase his spin prowess in the absence of Lamichhane. Dhakal ’s only appearance for Nepal came against the UAE ‘A’ during the ACC Emerging Cup in July this year.

Lokesh Bam has also made it to the squad for the first time since March last year.

Wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee will form the batting department alongside captain Rohit Paudel, while Binod Bhandari will serve as backup wicketkeeper.

Karan KC will spearhead the pace attack with Sompal Kami, Gulsan Jha and Avinash Bohara.

Pratis GC is yet to make his debut in the T20Is.

Nepal squad

Rohit Paudel (captain), Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper), Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Pratis GC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Avinash Bohara, Bibek Yadav, Sagar Dhakal, Binod Bhandari (wicketkeeper), Lokesh Bam, Surya Tamang, Mausam Dhakal