Nepal has climbed one spot to 16th in the International Cricket Council (ICC), cricket’s global governing body, Men’s One Day International (ODI) world rankings, according to the latest rankings released on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The national team secured 939 points from 33 matches, achieving a rating of 28.
The United States is currently ranked 15th, just ahead of Nepal, while Namibia is 17th. India holds the top position in the ODI world rankings, followed by New Zealand in second place, South Africa in third, Australia in fourth, and Pakistan in fifth.
Upcoming Matches and World Cup Qualification
Nepal is set to play crucial matches against Canada and Oman in the coming days. The team will face Canada on October 11 and 17, and Oman on October 13 and 19. These matches are vital for Nepal to maintain its ODI status and for World Cup qualification.
Nepal gained ODI status in 2018. The team recently improved its ICC T20 International ranking by two spots after defeating Afghanistan by five wickets in the 20th Asian Games. Nepal also performed exceptionally well in the domestic League-2 series, winning six out of eight matches.
Looking ahead, Nepal will compete in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Group ‘C’ alongside England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Italy. All of Nepal’s group stage matches will be held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. The schedule includes matches against England on February 8, Italy on February 12, West Indies on February 15, and Bangladesh on February 17.
Cricket Development in Madhesh Province
Alongside national cricket development, Madhesh Province has shown significant performance in both senior and junior cricket. According to the Madhesh Province Cricket Association, the province is emerging as one of the most consistent and influential teams in Nepal’s domestic cricket. Madhesh Province secured a top-four finish in the Prime Minister Cup and qualified for the Men’s Elite Trophy.
In Janakpur, the Shri Ram Janaki International Stadium is under construction, with a projected capacity of over 60,000 spectators. The Government of India has pledged Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) in financial assistance for this stadium, while the Madhesh Province government has announced an investment of Rs 2 billion. The Narayani Cricket Ground in Birgunj serves as Madhesh Province’s second home ground.
