Kathmandu, February 6: The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has announced the 14-member squad for the upcoming ACC Women’s Premier Cup, slated for February 10-18 in Malaysia. The team, led by Captain Indu Barma, boasts experience and promising youth, aiming to secure a coveted berth in the 2024 ACC Women’s Asia Cup.

Some notable faces are missing from the selection, Yashoda Bista, Khushi Dangol, Sabnam Rai, and Lakshmi Saud. Their omission sparks whispers of intense competition within the squad, evidenced by the rigorous closed training sessions conducted by the coaching staff.

Along with Nepal, host Malaysia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan, Qatar and Maldives will participate in the tournament. Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages, making every encounter crucial.

Captain Barma, known for her calm leadership and sharp cricketing acumen, will guide the team through this competitive landscape. Alongside her, experienced campaigners like Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, and Kabita Kunwar provide a solid core.