Sandeep Lamichhane Named Nepal's New ODI Captain Ahead of ACC Premier Cup

Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been named Nepal's new ODI captain, taking over the 50-over reins from Rohit Paudel as the team heads into the ACC Men's Premier Cup.

The 26-year-old, who has picked up 154 ODI wickets across his career, was confirmed as captain by the Cricket Association of Nepal as part of a 14-member squad announcement for the tournament, which will be held in Malaysia from August 30 to September 12.

Lamichhane is no stranger to the armband — he previously led Nepal's national side from December 2021, guiding them to their maiden ACC Premier Cup title in 2023, where he was also named Player of the Series. He continues to be Nepal's leading wicket-taker across formats and earlier this year became the fastest bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets by matches played.

Rohit Paudel, who had been leading Nepal through their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign and recent Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures, steps aside from the ODI captaincy as the leadership baton returns to Lamichhane ahead of this qualifying tournament for the Asia Cup.