Malla appointed Nepali national team captain

Gyanendra Malla has been appointed as Nepal’s new national team captain, taking over the role from Paras Khadka who resigned two weeks ago.

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) made the announcement earlier today, in its second meeting since their reinstatement by the ICC.

A source within CAN told local media that Paras Khadka, who stepped away from the role, was offered the chance to be re-appointed for the role.

“We requested Paras to return back to the captaincy job, but after his refusal, the resignation has been approved and Gyanendra Malla will take the captaincy job till the next decision is made.”

Khadka gave Gyanendra his best wishes via social media.

29-year-old Malla is a product of Nepal’s youth system, representing his country at U-15 and U-19 level, before debuting for the senior team.

Malla made himself unavailable for Nepal’s Singapore Tri-Series tournament, and the five-team T20I series held in Oman, citing personal reasons. Nepal won three of eight matches in that time, with an abandoned match in Singapore due to inclement weather. Alarmingly, Nepal didn’t win a match in either series by setting a total, highlighting their batting fragility.

Malla will be tested for the first time when the MCC tour Nepal next week.

Gyanendra Malla’s profile on ESPNCricinfo.