When Nepal took the field against the Netherlands at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, one player stood apart from all others. Sompal Kami was the only survivor from Nepal’s debut World Cup team in 2014, becoming the only player to represent Nepal in two T20 World Cups. This remarkable achievement underscores not just his longevity but also his unwavering commitment to Nepal cricket through a transformative decade.

As a fast-bowling all-rounder, Sompal joined forces with cult hero Karan KC as the elder statesmen of Nepal’s 2024 World Cup squad, bringing invaluable experience to a team hungry to prove themselves on the global stage.

A Journey That Started with a Facebook Message

Born in 1996 in Gulmi’s Tharung-8, Sompal Kami’s path to cricket stardom began in an unexpected way. When he was just three years old, his family moved to Punjab, India, where his childhood unfolded. Cricket captured his imagination early, and he learned the game on Indian soil, competing in school-level tournaments and even playing in the Indian Premier Corporate League, where he gained captaining experience.

The Facebook Invitation That Changed Everything

In September 2013, Sompal received a life-changing message on Facebook from Arjun Adhikari, who was playing cricket for Kathmandu Region No. 3. The message invited him to play cricket in Nepal. Without informing his father, the young Sompal traveled from India to Kathmandu on September 3, 2013.

Interestingly, that very day witnessed another historic moment in Nepali sports—Bimal Gharti Magar scored the crucial goal in the SAFF Championship that kept Nepal’s tournament hopes alive. This coincidence deeply inspired the young cricketer, showing him the power of never giving up.

From Unknown Teenager to National Hero

Domestic Cricket Breakthrough

Upon arriving in Nepal, Sompal first played domestic U-19 cricket for Fan Club. While he had focused primarily on batting in India, his bowling developed into a sharper weapon in Nepal. His bowling prowess shone brightly when he helped Kathmandu Region No. 3 win the U-19 championship.

After scoring consecutive centuries at the regional level, he caught the attention of coach Pubudu Dassanayake. This marked his evolution into a genuine all-rounder—someone who could open the batting in domestic cricket while delivering crucial wickets with the ball.

The “Journey to World Cup” Tournament

Following his consistent centuries, Sompal was selected for the U-19 Asia Cup team. From there, he progressed to the senior squad. In 2013, he participated in the “Journey to World Cup” tournament, organized as preparation for the ODI World Cup qualifiers. This became the defining moment of his early career—he took a tournament-leading 10 wickets in just four matches, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Since 2015, Sompal has represented the Nepal Army and played for various franchises in domestic cricket, including Jagdamba Giants, Kathmandu Kings-11, and Chitwan Tigers.

International Cricket: Making History One Match at a Time

World Cup Qualifier 2014: Unexpected Debut

Unlike most players who progress through age-group cricket, Sompal went straight into the national team for a massive tournament—the 2014 World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand. When regular fast bowlers Amrit Bhattarai, Jitendra Mukhiya, and Avinash Karna suffered injuries, Sompal received his unexpected opportunity.

He made his debut against the UAE but couldn’t take a wicket in that first match. However, in the next game against Scotland, he claimed three wickets, with his first international scalp being Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer. Across the qualifier, he finished with eight wickets, though Nepal’s overall performance saw them relegated to Division Two.

T20 World Cup 2014: The Dream Debut

Sompal was selected for Nepal’s historic first T20 World Cup appearance in Bangladesh in 2014. He made his T20 international debut against Hong Kong, and what a debut it was! Nepal defeated Hong Kong comfortably, with Sompal taking three wickets while conceding just 13 runs in three overs.

His first T20 World Cup wicket was Hong Kong captain Jamie Aitken. In the second match against Afghanistan, he bowled at speeds reaching 140 kilometers per hour, showcasing his pace-bowling prowess on the world stage.

Asian Games and Division Three Success

In September-October 2014, Sompal claimed five wickets at the Asian Games in South Korea. Later that year in Malaysia’s Division Three tournament, he took 11 wickets, cementing his reputation as Nepal’s premier pace bowler.

The Historic T20 Record

In November 2014, Nepal played their first T20 series against Hong Kong in Sri Lanka. Though rain reduced the series to a single match, Sompal created a remarkable record. Coming in to bat at number 10 with Nepal struggling at 25 for 8, he smashed 40 runs off 31 balls with six fours and two sixes, partnering with Shakti Gauchan for a crucial 43-run ninth-wicket stand.

This innings made him the highest-scoring player batting at number 10 in T20 international cricket—a record that showcased his all-round value and fighting spirit.

The Historic ODI Debut Series

Nepal’s First ODI Wicket

When Nepal played their maiden ODI match against the Netherlands on August 1, 2018, at the VRA Cricket Ground in Amstelveen, it was 22-year-old Sompal Kami who claimed Nepal’s first-ever ODI wicket.

He bowled Dan ter Braak for pace in the third over, creating history with Nepal’s maiden ODI wicket. In that debut match, he finished with three wickets from 8.4 overs, including one maiden, while conceding 34 runs.

Nepal’s First ODI Victory

The second ODI against the Netherlands became even more memorable. Nepal won a thrilling one-run victory, with Sompal playing a crucial role. With the bat, he scored a vital 61 runs off 46 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes. He also took one wicket and was deservedly named Player of the Match—a fitting reward for his all-round brilliance in Nepal’s historic first ODI win.

Career Milestones and Statistics

Throughout his career, Sompal Kami has accumulated impressive statistics:

ODI Career

• Consistent performer since August 2018 debut
• Multiple match-winning performances with both bat and ball
• Known for crucial lower-order runs that rescue innings
• Regular wicket-taker with the new ball

T20 International Career

• Represented Nepal from 2014 onwards
• Key member of bowling attack alongside Karan KC
• Valuable contributions with the bat down the order
• Selected for the Winnipeg Hawks in the 2019 Global T20 Canada tournament

First-Class Cricket

Sompal made his first-class cricket debut in 2015, playing for Saracens Sports Club in Sri Lanka, broadening his experience across different formats and conditions.

The Significance of Being the Only Survivor

From the 2014 T20 World Cup squad to the 2024 edition, spanning 10 years, Sompal Kami stands alone as the only player to be included in both squads. This achievement is more than just about longevity—it represents:

Consistency and Adaptability

Maintaining international standards for a decade requires continuous improvement, adaptation to changing game dynamics, and staying injury-free. Sompal has managed all three exceptionally well.

Leadership and Experience

As the most experienced player in the 2024 squad, Sompal provides invaluable mentorship to younger players. He’s lived through Nepal cricket’s most significant transformations—from playing in smaller tournaments to competing at World Cups, from gaining ODI status to establishing Nepal as a competitive Associate nation.

Physical and Mental Resilience

The physical demands on a fast-bowling all-rounder are immense. To sustain performance over 10 years while competing in multiple formats showcases extraordinary dedication to fitness and mental toughness.

Playing Style and Strengths

As a Bowler

Sompal Kami operates as a right-arm medium-fast bowler, typically opening the bowling attack. His strengths include:

• Ability to extract bounce and movement with the new ball
• Consistent line and length that builds pressure
• Pace variation to deceive batsmen
• Experience reading match situations and adapting his approach

As a Batsman

A left-handed batsman who usually bats in the lower-middle order, Sompal has proven himself as:

• A crisis manager who stabilizes innings
• An aggressive striker capable of quick runs
• A smart player who understands match situations
• A reliable partner for set batsmen

Recent Achievements and Current Status

Nepal’s cricket has grown significantly since 2014, and Sompal has been central to this growth. In 2019, he helped Nepal win a bronze medal at the 13th South Asian Games, adding another achievement to his decorated career.

As of 2025, Sompal remains an integral part of Nepal’s cricket plans. His experience becomes even more valuable as Nepal competes regularly in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, where they face stronger opposition and aim for qualification to major ICC events.

Legacy and Impact

Sompal Kami’s story resonates because it’s fundamentally human. He didn’t come from cricket academies or privileged backgrounds. A Facebook message brought him to Nepal, where hard work, natural talent, and opportunity converged.

His journey from that September 2013 arrival in Kathmandu to becoming Nepal’s most experienced international cricketer inspires countless young athletes. It demonstrates that dedication, combined with seizing opportunities when they arrive, can overcome any obstacle.

Role Model for Future Generations

For Nepal’s young cricketers, including current captain Rohit Paudel who was inspired by the 2014 T20 World Cup team, Sompal represents continuity and excellence. He bridges the gap between Nepal’s cricket past and its ambitious future.

Conclusion: The Irreplaceable All-Rounder

Being the only player to represent Nepal in both the 2014 and 2024 T20 World Cups isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to Sompal Kami’s exceptional contribution to Nepal cricket. Through injuries, form slumps, team changes, and the natural evolution of cricket, he has remained consistently valuable.

From taking Nepal’s first ODI wicket to scoring match-winning innings, from his debut in 2014 to carrying the torch in 2024, Sompal Kami has been more than just a player. He’s been a symbol of Nepal cricket’s journey itself—humble beginnings, unexpected opportunities, consistent hard work, and gradual but undeniable progress.

For comprehensive cricket statistics and updates on Nepal cricket, visit ESPN Cricinfo’s Nepal Team Page.