Sompal Kami makes history as Nepal’s first player to feature in three T20 World Cups

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s bowling all-rounder Sompal Kami has created history by becoming the first player from Nepal to feature in three ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, after being named in the playing XI against the West Indies.

The 30-year-old replaced Lalit Rajbanshi in the side, underlining his status as Nepal’s most experienced World Cup campaigner.

He had previously featured in the global showpiece in 2014 and 2024, and now stands alone in Nepal’s record books with three World Cup appearances.

Born in Gulmi and raised in Punjab, Sompal’s journey is one of resilience.

Inspired by Sachin Tendulkar, he returned to Nepal in 2013 with limited resources but unlimited belief.

Within months, he broke into the national team and made his T20I debut against Hong Kong at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014.

Sompal went on to play a key role again at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, taking three wickets in three matches, including a two-wicket haul against the Bangladesh.

Across two World Cup editions, he has featured in seven matches and claimed seven wickets — the most by any Nepali player in the tournament’s history.

As Nepal builds toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sompal is set to become the most senior player in the squad.

With his parents based in India and thousands of Nepali fans expected to travel, the 2026 World Cup promises to be deeply personal for the man who once arrived in Nepal with little more than a dream — and now carries the hopes of a nation.