KATHMANDU: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially announced the classification of male and female cricketers for the year 2026.

According to a statement released by CAN on Monday, 38 male and 25 female players have been placed into different categories. The men’s division has been grouped into A Plus, A, B, C, and Development categories.

In the men’s A Plus category, Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Sandeep Lamichhane have been included. The A category features Sompal Kami, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, and Karan KC.

Similarly, five players, including Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, have been placed in Category B, while 11 players, including Sundeep Jora and Kushal Malla, are in Category C. CAN stated that 15 young players have been included in the Development category.

In the women’s division, the A category includes Indu Barma, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetry, and Sita Rana Magar. Three players each have been included in Categories B and C, while 14 players have been placed in the Development group.

CAN has also fixed monthly salaries for the classified players. Male players in the A Plus category will receive Rs 120,000 per month. Players in Categories A, B, C, and Development will receive Rs 100,000, Rs 75,000, Rs 55,000, and Rs 35,000 respectively.

For female players, the monthly salaries have been set at Rs 50,000 for Category A, Rs 40,000 for Category B, Rs 30,000 for Category C, and Rs 25,000 for the Development category.

Additionally, both male and female players will receive match fees of Rs 10,000 for each T20 match and Rs 15,000 for every One Day International (ODI) match.

According to CAN, the classification was based on players’ performance, ability, and future potential. The association stated that the new structure aims to further strengthen the national teams and improve Nepal’s performance in international competitions.