Nepal captain Rohit Paudel's controversial dismissal against USA

Nepal men's team captain captain Rohit Paudel was involved in a controversial dismissal during Nepal’s ICC Cricket World Cup League Two match against the USA at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Friday. The Nepal captain was given LBW off Milind Kumar on the final ball of the 38th over, even though replays appeared to show that the ball had hit his gloves while he attempted a sweep shot. Paudel was batting on 46 at the time, with Nepal placed strongly at 194/2 and looking set for a big total. The ball rolled towards the wicketkeeper after appearing to take a glove edge, but the USA players appealed and the umpire raised his finger almost immediately. Replays showed the ball striking the glove rather than the pads. Paudel reacted angrily after the decision. He gestured towards the umpire to indicate that the ball had touched either his bat or glove. As he walked back to the pavilion, he swung his bat in frustration and later punched it as well. Usually, players can face Level 1 or Level 2 Code of Conduct charges for visible displays of frustration such as swearing, throwing equipment or hitting objects around the field. It is not yet clear whether any action will be taken against Paudel. Despite the controversy, Nepal recovered to score 317/8 in the first innings before bowling USA out for 195 to win the match by 122 runs. Paudel is currently the captain of Nepal and also led the side in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Nepal had come close to defeating England cricket team during the tournament before losing by four runs at Wankhede Stadium. Speaking during the T20 World Cup, Paudel had called for more opportunities against major cricketing nations. "If we get an opportunity of playing with them (Test-playing nations) regularly, maybe in a year, I would say not even 6-7 series but at least one or two series, so that we can test ourselves, that would be very good. I hope that after this World Cup, it changes," he had said. Paudel had also said it would be important for Nepal cricket if teams like Australia national cricket team, England cricket team or India national cricket team toured Nepal. "It will mean a lot, especially if an Australian team or an England team comes to Nepal," he said.