NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Priyank Panchal returned from a memorable month-long stay in Kathmandu last year carrying a profound impression that extended far beyond the cricket field. Rather than recalling packed stadiums, the former India A captain was deeply moved by the genuine warmth and gentle charm of Nepal's cricket-loving nation.
The Gentle Passion of Himalayan Cricket
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Nepal breathes cricket with a distinctive character that sets it apart from the intense fervor commonly associated with the sport across the subcontinent. "Every player I met, every official I encountered and all the fans I came across greeted me with a lot of warmth and a big smile. No one raises their voice. The passion for cricket and the love for their stars is so genuine," Panchal revealed to PTI, reflecting on his experience playing for Karnali Yaks during the second edition of the Nepal Premier League.
A Nation's Dreams Rest on Fifteen Shoulders
As Nepal prepares to walk into Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on February 8 for their T20 World Cup opener against England, more than three crore people will pin their hopes on fifteen determined players. This marks their second successive qualification for the prestigious tournament, representing a significant milestone for a team that once struggled with limited infrastructure.
Carrying the collective dreams of the Himalayan region, the Nepali squad aims to draw strength from their remarkably devoted fan base that has consistently transformed cricket matches into nationwide celebrations. "I have heard that ticket sales for Nepal's matches at the Wankhede Stadium have been very brisk. Had we played in Delhi, there would have been a sizeable crowd at Kotla too," noted Cricket Association of Nepal president Chatur Bahadur Chand.
The Backbone of Nepal's Cricket Revolution
Led by captain Rohit Paudel, Nepal boasts a gritty unit that combines emerging talent with experienced campaigners. The squad features:
- Sandeep Lamichhane, the region's only player to have featured in IPL, Big Bash League, and Caribbean Premier League
- Experienced bowlers Karan KC and Sompal Kami
- A determined batting lineup anchored by skipper Paudel
Chand emphasized the team's preparation, stating, "Sandeep is obviously our biggest player but Rohit has also led the side very well in the past few years. We had a good pre-tournament camp in Sri Lanka and are well-prepared for the challenge ahead."
Infrastructure Development and Future Vision
Currently, Nepal possesses just one floodlit venue—the Tribhuvan University Stadium in Kirtipur—which received lighting facilities ahead of the Nepal Premier League. The government is now actively investing in its refurbishment as part of broader cricket infrastructure development.
"My dream is to have at least five stadiums by 2030 and at least one more by next year," declared Chand, who also serves as a senior politician with the Nepali Congress party. "We already have central contracts in place, with top cricketers being paid a monthly salary of Nepali Rupee one lakh (INR 62,000) apart from match fees."
Organizational Excellence and International Support
The Nepal Premier League has demonstrated remarkable organizational success through its two editions, with all eight team owners being local entrepreneurs who pooled resources through consortiums—unlike many private tournaments worldwide that rely on foreign investment.
Chand acknowledged crucial international support, particularly from ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah. "Our players have had numerous camps in Delhi and at the NCA in Bengaluru. The Indian embassy in Nepal has also provided substantial assistance. Jay bhai has been a constant support and he wants Nepal to be the next Test nation," the CAN president revealed.
World Cup Prospects and Beyond
Panchal believes Nepal possesses the necessary tools to create surprises during the group stage. "Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav are very good new-ball bowlers. Their ground fielding is excellent. The commitment is 200 per cent, which is very important," he observed, adding that sharing dressing rooms with international stars like Faf du Plessis, Jimmy Neesham, and Martin Guptill during the NPL significantly benefited local players.
Nepal faces realistic opportunities against Italy and Scotland in their group, while an upset victory against either England or the West Indies could potentially propel them into the Super Eight stage. "After the T20 World Cup, we will also focus on our first-class structure. The current aim is to qualify for the Super Eights," Chand stated, who will attend Nepal's opening match before returning home to campaign in parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5.
The Traveling Fan Army
Nepal supporters are expected to turn up in substantial numbers for warm-up fixtures in Chennai and later in Mumbai for the main tournament matches. "Our fans, the biggest number of traveling ones after India and Pakistan, are our strength," emphasized Chand, highlighting the unique bond between the team and its supporters that transcends geographical boundaries.
As Nepal prepares to showcase its gentle yet passionate cricket culture on the global stage, the nation stands at a crucial juncture in its cricketing journey—balancing traditional warmth with modern competitive spirit while building infrastructure for future generations of Himalayan cricketers.
