The Cricket Association of Nepal bade farewell to the Nepali national men's cricket team amid a function at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu on Thursday.

The Rhinos are travelling to the UAE for a three-match T20I series, which has been named 'Unity Cup', against the West Indies, the two-time world champions.

The three matches will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 27, 29 and 30.

Speaking at the farewell, skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel expressed excitement, saying that the series holds a major value in the history of Nepali cricket. "We will put up a strong performance against the West Indies," he said.

Paudel also argued that the series will be very helpful for the team ahead of their T20 World Cup qualifiers. "When we return, we aim to be qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup," he said.

Nepal will head to Oman for the Asia and East Asia Pacific regional qualifiers between nine teams. The teams have been divided into three groups of three each; Nepal are in Group B with Japan and Kuwait. With the top two teams from each group progressing for the Super Six stage, the top three teams will then qualify for the main event.

National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, CAN's vice-president Roshan Singh, and CAN's secretary Paras Khadka, among others, were present at the programme.

The programme had started with a minute's silence for the lives lost during the youth-led protests on September 8 and 9.

West Indies squad

The Caribbean side, on Thursday, announced a 15-member squad for the series against Nepal.

Akeal Hosein will captain the squad, which features six potential debutants. Rayon Griffith will lead the Team Management Unit as Head Coach, with Ottis Gibson serving as fast-bowling consultant.

"This series against Nepal is another important step in broadening the horizons of West Indies cricket," said CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe. "It allows our senior men's team to engage with a passionate emerging nation while providing invaluable match experience in different conditions."

The squad includes Akeal Hosein (Captain), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisse, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds and Shamar Springer.

Nepal had already announced their squad on Monday.