Nepal Fans' Epic T20 World Cup Journey: 30+ Hours on a Train for Cricket Hope
For Jaka Shaha, Tegendra Shahi, and Jeevan Shahi, the journey to Mumbai for the T20 World Cup began in their villages in Nepal, with a decision that sounded simple but demanded immense commitment. "We came by train," said Jaka, hailing from the western border near Assam. "It took 30 to 36 hours." All three laughed, as the exact number hardly mattered anymore after such a long trek.
A Journey of Dedication and Belief
They traveled together on the same train, crossing borders and states, carrying little more than bags, tickets, and an unwavering belief in their team. "It's been ten days since we came from our village," Jaka explained, noting they were staying with acquaintances in the city. Their plan was clear: to remain right through Nepal's Group C campaign at the Wankhede Stadium. "We came for all four matches," Jaka added firmly, with Tegendra from Dailekh district in Karnali Pradesh nodding in agreement.
This was not a once-in-a-lifetime splurge but a carefully planned endeavor woven around their daily lives. When asked why cricket mattered so much, the answers came quickly and almost in unison. "We watch it for fun," Jeevan said, echoed by Jaka. Though they didn't reveal their professions back home, it was evident that cricket plays a significant role in their lives.
Favorites and Faith in the Game
Talk naturally turned to players, with Jaka and Tegendra naming Dipendra Singh Airee as their favorite from Nepal, while Jeevan instantly added Kushal Bhurtel. Admiration extended beyond borders, with Jaka praising Virat Kohli, Tegendra mentioning Suryakumar Yadav, and Jeevan, also from Dailekh, highlighting Ishan Kishan without hesitation.
When questioned about Nepal's chances of going deep in the World Cup, optimism mixed with realism. "Yes, there is a chance," Jaka said confidently, but Tegendra added, "In the game, you can't say anything. Anything can happen." Their tone lifted when discussing Nepal's prospects of making the Super 8 stage. "Yes, they can go ahead," Jeevan asserted, with Tegendra pointing to Nepal's 2-1 T20I series win over West Indies in Sharjah last September as evidence.
They stopped short of guarantees, but faith was unmistakable. "We can't say 100 percent in cricket," Jaka admitted, then smiled and added, "But there is a chance. A full chance."
Content in Their Corner of Belief
Around them, the stadium buzzed with the noise of a World Cup crowd—bigger teams, bigger expectations, and storied histories. Yet these three fans stood calmly, content in their own corner of belief. They had traveled more than a day by train, adjusted work schedules, and committed to watching every match Nepal would play. Win or lose, they were staying.
For Nepal, the World Cup is about results and progression. For these fans, it is simpler: being there, being seen, and believing that on any given day, "anything can happen." Their journey underscores a deep passion for cricket that transcends borders and hardships, making their story a testament to sports fandom at its most dedicated.
