Cricketers meet prime minister

KATHMANDU, Aug 2: A team of Nepali cricketers led by national captain Binod Das on Sunday submitted a four-point memorandum to Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal at his office in Singha Durbar. [break]



The players demanded that the government ensure job for the players, make provisions of cricket teams in the departmental teams -- Nepal Police, Nepal Army and Armed Police Force team, provide facilities to the cricketers on par with other players and take initiatives to build physical infrastructure for the sport.



Despite Nepal´s overwhelming performance in the age group, the senior national team was unable to repeat the performance as they are compelled to quit the game in search of other lucrative professions, the players rued. “Some cricketers are planning to leave the country for employment abroad. We urged the Prime Minister to take necessary steps to stop them,” Binod said.



“We met the prime minister and urged him to step in to ensure a bright future for cricketers, Binod said adding, “We requested him to create an environment wherein cricketers can earn their living by playing cricket. We also suggested that departmental teams as in football, cricket, athletics and others be formed so as to ensure a bright future for cricketers.”







Das said that the game could not be improved without necessary infrastructure. Players said that the prime minister was positive about their demands. “The Prime Minister promised to talk about matter in the concerned places,” said the players.



Other than the memorandum, the players also requested the prime minister to provide citizenship to Sarad Veswakar. “Sarad has been playing cricket for Nepal since the last six years. Though his father is an Indian, his mother is of Nepali origin. He also owns a house in Nepal. “The prime minister said that he would inquire about the matter,” Binod added. The meeting with the prime minister has infused us with hope, the cricketers said. “This is not a movement, we are here to offer suggestions. We told the prime minister that it was the best time to do something for the sports and it should not be wasted,” Binod said.



The nine member cricket team that met the prime minister comprised Binod Das, vice captain Paras Khadka, Raju Basnyat, Amrit Bhattarai, Manjit Shrestha, Sarad Veswakar, Basanta Regmi, Gyanendra Malla and Sanjam Regmi.

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