Nepal Bolsters Bowling with Ian Harvey Ahead of T20 World Cup

Nepal have made a strategic coaching addition ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, appointing former Australia seamer Ian Harvey as their bowling consultant. The 53-year-old will work alongside head coach Stuart Law to sharpen the bowling attack for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka beginning February 7.

Harvey's Pedigree in T20 Cricket

Harvey brings a wealth of experience from his playing days, particularly in the shortest format. He played 54 T20 matches, claiming 52 wickets while scoring 1,470 runs—a rare blend of bowling expertise and batting firepower. His international resume includes 73 ODIs for Australia, where he took 85 wickets and contributed 715 runs. He was part of the 2003 ODI World Cup-winning squad in South Africa, giving him championship-winning experience at the highest level.

Known for his clever variations—yorkers and deceptive slower balls—Harvey made history in 2003 by becoming the first century-maker in England's Twenty20 Cup. He later won the Player of the Tournament award at the inaugural Indian Cricket League in 2007, cementing his T20 credentials.

Nepal's World Cup Challenge

Nepal will face a demanding group featuring England, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Italy. Their campaign begins on February 8 against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While they failed to register a win at the 2024 T20 World Cup, Nepal pushed South Africa and Bangladesh close, showing they can compete with established sides. With Rohit Paudel leading the charge and Dipendra Singh Airee as vice-captain, Harvey's bowling expertise could be the difference in tight encounters.