Nepal has been formally confirmed as the first of four international teams to compete in the 2025 Top End T20 Series, which will take place in Darwin from August 14 to August 24.

The event will be essential preparation for Nepal, which hopes to clinch one of the three remaining berths in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be contested in India and Sri Lanka early next year. They will arrive in Darwin in early August and are scheduled to play at least six T20 matches at three different venues: DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, and Cazaly’s Arena.

“We are very delighted to participate in the Top End T20 Series. It provides an excellent opportunity to prepare with strong intent and focused practice ahead of our ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers [held in Oman in October]’, said Cricket Association of Nepal secretary Paras Khadka.

“Competing against quality opponents in Australian conditions will provide our players with critical exposure, helping them better understand their game and grow as professional cricketers,” according to him.

Nepal appointed former Australia hitter Stuart Law as head coach earlier this year, in March.

Under Law’s guidance, the side competed in a T20I tri-series against the Netherlands and Scotland in Glasgow, finishing second.

Following the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Nepal will create additional history by playing their first bilateral T20I series against the West Indies. The series is set to take place in Sharjah at the end of September.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome the Nepal national cricket team to the Northern Territory and Top End T20 Series for the first time. Nepal has built a devoted fanbase in their home country and among the Nepali diaspora, therefore we are thrilled that all Nepalese eyes will be on the Northern Territory as we play a role in their cricketing journey’, Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said.

The remaining players and schedule for the Top End T20 series will be confirmed in the coming weeks.