Life has given me different experiences. But playing cricket was the happiest moment of my life. Noting could beat the pride I felt playing for my country, bedecked in the kit engraved with a national flag. It was above everything.
My ambition is to make contributions to Nepali cricket. Currently, I am the assistant coach of the national team. If given an opportunity to work in other roles, I will happily embrace it. I will be playing my last match on Saturday and I want to make it a memorable one.
Retiring from the game is the biggest and toughest part of a player's life. Greatest players are also overwhelmed with emotion while announcing their retirement.
I still feel like I can play more but this day comes in every player's life. Retiring is like dying for a player and choosing death is definitely not easy.
I desperately tried to make a comeback. But my knee injury made it tough for me. Though I did make a comeback, it further aggravated my injury. I was never fully fit after that.
I have always aspired to be a number one player. That was the reason why I wore kit with that number.
Wherever I may be in future, I will always try to be number one.
I was the happiest when I played for my country. I come from a remote place. My parents, who have not even seen an airplane, were filled with pride when I first boarded it. I felt like I have lived my life that day and fulfilled my dream.
My first international tournament abroad was in Hong Kong. Later, when we put up a notable performance in the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, I had hoped that our dream of playing in the cricket World Cup would come true.
With time, Nepal played T20 World Cup. But unfortunately, I was not in that squad. As much as I am proud for my country playing in the World Cup, I am also personally sad for not being able to be a part of the team.
I am not a naturally talented player. But my relentless hard work was my strength.
Cricket was a source of entertainment when we started swinging bats and balls. Now, it is slowly becoming a professional sport. I am personally impressed with Paras Khadka's style.
Paras gives his cent per-cent while playing and is never bothered about anything. I have learned this trait of Paras. I also suggest emerging players to do the same. We are the players of the time when cricket was in crisis. We have been part of ups and downs. And we are proud of what we have been able to achieve.
I am ready for any role Nepali cricket thinks I am fit for. I am a student of management. And I am ready to get a post in management. On the other hand, I have been proving my worth in coaching. I have been a topper from cricket coaching course from level 1-3.
The only thing to see is how Nepali cricket uses me.
I request them to give me a grand farewell. I request Cricket Association of Nepal, management, supporters and journalists to make it a memorable moment for me.
(Edited version of Binod’s speech during a press conference for Phillip Hughes’ tribute match. He is former National captain of cricket team)
Related story
International Day of Happiness being celebrated today
