Stuart Law backs Nepal's new-look squad to thrive under lights against UAE

Nepal head coach Stuart Law says the upcoming T20I series against the UAE will be an important step for a new-look squad as the national team prepares for its first home internationals under floodlights.

Speaking ahead of the two-match series at TU International Cricket Ground, Law said he was excited to coach Nepal at home for the first time and hoped the crowd would turn out in big numbers after the atmosphere seen during the Nepal Premier League.

Law described the squad as a fresh start and said several players had earned their places through performances in the PM Cup. He also admitted some selections had surprised him, but stressed that real judgment can only come in match situations rather than training sessions.

"You can't see too much in the nets," Law said in the press meet at TU ground. "You need to see them under pressure in proper matches before you can make a full judgment on their abilities."

The coach said the series should be viewed as an opportunity to assess and nurture new talent rather than only as a results-driven assignment. While Nepal will still go out to win, he suggested the larger value of the UAE series lies in giving younger or returning players a chance to show what they can offer at international level.

Law also backed new T20I captain Dipendra Singh Airee, saying the leadership role is the next step in his career. He added that Airee had already been one of the leaders in the dressing room even before receiving the captaincy.

On team balance, Law pointed to the importance of left-handed batting options against UAE's likely spin threat. He said Nepal had been searching for left-handed batters who can handle international cricket, especially with many Associate sides relying heavily on left-arm spin.

That thinking appears to have shaped the inclusion of players such as Kushal Malla, Basir Ahamad and Santosh Yadav in the wider T20 conversation. Law was particularly clear that Santosh had not been picked on potential alone, but because he had forced his way into contention with performance.

The Australian also suggested Nepal would treat the short series as part of a broader build-up to Cricket World Cup League 2. With ODI cricket to follow soon after, Law said the coaching group would manage workloads carefully but remained confident the squad could cope with the demands of both formats.

For Law, the immediate message was simple. Nepal should embrace the occasion, enjoy playing at home again and use the series to build the right habits ahead of a crucial stretch of international cricket.