In the past few years, cricket has been on the periphery of Nepali public’s interest, with young Nepali cricketers performing very well in international competitions, the under 19 team twice reaching the finals of ICC world cup plate championships (once winning it), and more recently, the Nepali national team reaching the finals in Asian Cricket Council(ACC)’s Twenty 20 series. But now, with a victory in the finals of 2013 ICC World Cricket League Division 3, Nepali cricket has leapt into center stage, and rightly so. With the victory over Italy already ensuring their entry into world cup qualifiers, the win in the finals was actually the cherry on top of the pie: something that lifted the team’s morale. But then, this victory is Nepal’s best performance in the history of its cricket, and brings with it the good news of Nepal’s entry into Division 2 of ICC World Cricket League.
Support for national sports, especially cricket, has been steadily growing in recent years in Nepal, as evidenced by the throngs of sports lovers who paid to watch Nepal play in ACC Twenty 20 series at Kirtipur in April. Sports, especially at the national level, are important in divisive times because they serve to unite a divided people. With diverse members from different ethnic groups and religions, Nepal’s national cricket team resembles a miniature Nepal. Even as Nepal is trying to come to terms with its ethnic and linguistic differences, all Nepalis are united in their support for this miniature Nepal. Along with the team, the victory has lifted the spirits of the entire nation. We certainly hope they continue to perform at their best in the future and forge a much needed solidarity among Nepali people.
One of the reasons Nepal has been improving its play steadily is the international exposure it has been getting through matches with teams of other countries. Before the world cup qualifiers, it is essential that Nepali players be provided extensive training with international teams, which will increase their competence as well as confidence to play at the international level. A conducive environment needs to be created for the Nepali team to consistently do well in the long term. The National Sports Council’s decision to award Rs. 350,000 each to the members of the team is a step in the right direction.
As Nepal struggles with ethnic differences, Nepalis unite in supporting a multi-ethnic cricket team.
The cash prize will reward current players and motivate future players to think of sports as a viable career option, ensuring that talented players are retained in the field. There is only one international cricket stadium in Nepal, and the proposed stadiums at Mulpani and Pokhara have been stalled time and again. Construction of these stadiums needs to be prioritized if Nepal hopes to encourage excellence in its players and host frequent international games.
We applaud the Nepali team’s performance and wish them luck for the world cup qualifiers to be held in New Zealand in January 2014. But a lot needs to be done before Nepal can hope to clear the last hurdle before the ICC world cup. Regarding the development of infrastructure, Cricket Association of Nepal has been passive, sufficing with the initiatives taken by the government. For Nepali cricket to achieve its full potential at the international level, CAN must be proactive in reaching out to the government and prodding it to develop infrastructure and provide facilities and trainings to its players.
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