Rohit Paudel Says Nepali Players Are Ready for the IPL

Nepal cricket team captain Rohit Paudel said on Tuesday that Nepali players are capable of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) based on their performances and talent. Speaking to the media at the Balasaheb Stadium press room at Wankhede Stadium, a day ahead of Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Italy, Paudel expressed confidence that Nepali cricketers will soon earn opportunities in the IPL.

“I believe that some Nepali players will now be selected for the IPL,” Paudel said during the media interaction.

He noted that Nepal’s impressive performance against England in their most recent match has drawn significant attention to the Nepali team. Reflecting on past performances, Paudel said Nepal had come very close to defeating South Africa during the World Cup two years ago, and a similar situation unfolded against England this time. “I think both matches have helped raise the profile of Nepali cricket in world cricket. Those games brought us into the spotlight,” he added.

However, Paudel also expressed disappointment over the limited opportunities Nepal has received at the top level of international cricket. He pointed out that since the last World Cup, Nepal has only played a series against the West Indies, which was the team’s only series against a Test-playing nation. “We want more opportunities,” he said. “We are not asking for too much, but at least a few series against Test teams every year.”

Paudel also said that Nepal would welcome major cricketing nations such as England and Australia to play in Kathmandu. “If big teams come to Nepal, it would mean a lot,” he said.

Following the strong performance against England, Paudel claimed that the confidence within the team and among players has increased significantly. He emphasized the need to carry that momentum into the match against Italy. “Italy is also a good team and has been playing good cricket recently,” he added.