Cricket in Nepal : Cricket is the most loved sports in Nepal so far. Thousands of fans huddle together in TU International Cricket Stadium for any sort of international or domestic tournament. From playing in division five to securing an ODI Status, Cricket has given a different prestige to Nepal.
Basic cricket info of Nepal
| Nicknames | The Rhinos, Gorkhalis |
| Associate Members | Since 1996 |
| T20 World Cup Appearance | one(in 2014) |
| ODI Stauts | March, 2018 |
| Governing Body | Cricket Association of Nepal |
| Most Loved Players | Paras Khadka, Shakti Gauchan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Binod Das. |
History of Nepal Cricket
Cricket was inaugurated in Nepal in 1920 for the first time by Rana family after the visit from England. Cricket was only bounded to members of Rana family at first. Later, it was extended to citizens and cricket association of Nepal was formed in 1946.
Soon after the establishment of association, cricket took a gear throughout the nation. A new interest and attention was grabbed by the game to new youths and generation of country. Nepal became an affiliate member of ICC in 1988 and crucial development occurs by introducing cricket in district and school level.Later, Nepal gain a full membership in 1994.
Nepal played their first international tournament in ACC Trophy after gaining a associate membership from ICC in 1996.
Cricket Association of Nepal
The official governing body of Nepal cricket, cricket association of Nepal was formed in 1946 and obtained associate membership of ICC in 1996.
CAN was suspended by ICC in April 2016 for interference of government in operations of governing body of cricket.Nepal national team still manage to took part in ICC tournaments and gained ODI status for four years in March 2018.
ICC reinstated CAN as ICC member on a conditional basis on October 14 2019.
Cricket Grounds in Nepal
The only International cricket stadium of Nepal is TU International Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, the largest project, Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium is under construction which is being operated by Dhurmus-suntali Foundation.
Some major stadiums of Nepal:
- Biratnagar Cricket Ground, Biratnagar, Nepal.
- Pulchowk Engineering Cricket Ground, Lalitpur.
- Rangashala Cricket Ground, Pokhara.
- Fapla Cricket Ground, Dhangadi.
- Mulpani Cricket Stadium, Mulpani, Kathmandu.
- Siddhartha Rangashala, Bhairahawa.
Domestic Cricket of Nepal
From 2014, Professional domestic leagues of Nepal got initiation.Both men’s and women’s team compete in different formats through out the year.
List of domestic tournament in Nepal:
- Nepal Premier League was introduced in 2014.
- Everest Premier League, a franchise based T20 tournament started in 2016 which happens in every two years.
- Pokhara Premier League, a franchise based T20 tournament started form 2018.
- Dhangadi Premier League, a franchise based T20 tournament started from 2017.
- Prime Minister One Day Cup, an inter-provincial one day tournament started form 2017.
- Women Champions League, a franchise based T20 tournament of women’s team started from 2019.
Future of cricket in Nepal
As a fan, I am awfully excited about the potential of cricket in Nepal. After readmit of Cricket Association of Nepal, Nepal Cricket would surely be looking for greater heights in their game. With such a passion towards the game and good governance and administration in future, Nepal will come up with strong stands.
Popularity of cricket in Nepal
Cricket is the sport which unite the whole nation in Nepal. Nepal is one of the country with highest and decent fan following in cricket.For the successful journey from division five to ODI status, one of the reason of Nepal cricket is their fans.
Cricket is mostly popular in capital city, Kathmandu and Terai region of Nepal. From children to old people, everyone are fond of cricket.This dedication of players and fans towards the game will surely reach the new heights in future in cricket.
(Source – Wikipedia)
Also Read : Rise and rise of Sandeep Lamichhane.
