Coach Pathak backs Nepal for Women’s T20 World Cup

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 24: With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier set to be staged on home soil, Nepal’s senior women’s national side are aiming to make history by booking their place at the global showpiece for the very first time. Nepal is going to host the Qualifier in Kathmandu from 18 January

To bolster their chances, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) appointed Harshal Jayant Pathak as the team’s first foreign head coach on 16 December. 

Speaking at an interaction programme at CAN headquarters in Mulpani, Pathak expressed confidence that Nepal can qualify for the Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July 2026.

“We are going to compete with the aim of winning the Global Qualifier,” Pathak said. “The cricketing environment in Nepal has improved significantly. I have seen Nepal as an opponent before, and they are a tough side for any team. With the enthusiasm and talent of these players, I strongly believe we can qualify for the World Cup with top performances. If we prepare a proper plan and execute it well, success will follow.”

Pathak, who hails from India, previously guided Thailand to their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup appearance in 2020. He acknowledged that challenges remain, but insisted Nepal’s squad has the quality to deliver. While batting is a strength, he underlined the need to sharpen fielding and technical skills, and to play with a clear game plan. He also praised the passion of Nepali supporters, noting that their backing will provide vital motivation wherever the team plays.

CAN General Manager Binod Das confirmed Pathak has signed a two‑year contract, stressing that his appointment is not only for the Global Qualifier but also for the long‑term development of women’s cricket in Nepal. Das said he is confident the national team and other players will gain valuable experience under Pathak’s guidance.

Closed training camps have already begun with the Qualifier in mind. Twenty‑six cricketers were initially called up on 4 December, with the squad trimmed to 20 in the second phase on 17 December.

Nepal to face Thailand in opener

Nepal will kick off their Global Qualifier campaign against Thailand on 18 January at the Upper Mulpani Ground. The tournament, running until 1 February, will be played at Mulpani and the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Placed in Group B, Nepal will battle Scotland, Thailand, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. Group A features Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Namibia and the United States.

According to fixtures released by the ICC, Nepal’s second outing will be against the Netherlands on 22 January at Upper Mulpani, followed by a clash with Zimbabwe on 24 January at TU Ground. Their final group match will be against Scotland on 26 January, also at TU Ground.

The top three teams from each group will progress to the Qualifier stage, where they will face all three sides from the opposite group on 28, 30 January and 1 February.

From there, the top four teams will punch their ticket to England and Wales for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Before the Qualifier kicks start, the participating teams are also playing the warm up matches. Nepali women will be taking on Ireland and the USA on 14 and 16 January.