Nepal’s U-19 cricket team recently lost to Afghanistan in the age group’s semi-finals for the Asia Elite cup, marking the first time the four time champion Nepali youth team failed to lift the title after reigning for a decade. It is a double whammy for Nepal as both the senior side and the U-19 team will not be playing their respective world cups. The last time around too, it was Afghanistan that knocked the Nepali senior side from contention in the Division V cricket tournament held in Jersey last year.
But president of Cricket Association Nepal (CAN) Binaya Raj Pandey remains upbeat about the future of cricket in Nepal. He is optimistic Nepali cricket can only move forward in the coming days. Myrepublica.com talked to Pandey about the present scenario and future prospects of Nepali cricket.
Excerpts:
The Nepali U-19 team has suffered a loss at the hands of Afghanistan. Nepal’s U-19 team will not be playing the World Cup this time around. What do you think is the main reason for Nepal’s defeat?
The pitch was a batting pitch in Kuwait. But the senior batsmen of our side could not play to their potentials. Prithu Baskota and Gyanendra Malla played well, but it was not enough. Nepal’s main strength is in its bowling, but that too let us down.
Will Major General Pandey step down amid age dispute?
The media has raised questions about the current coach Roy Dias’ place in Nepali cricket’s future. He himself has admitted he has very little left in his arsenal to offer to the players. Is CAN seeking alternatives?
Roy (Dias) has been an excellent coach since he joined us eight years ago. His unique ability to see potential in upcoming players has served Nepal very well. Besides having a wealth of cricketing ability, he has a vision for the team. It will be very hard for a newcomer to fill Roy’s shoes. We are certainly not thinking about Roy’s replacement, but of course we can find some coaches specifically for batting, bowling and fielding before big tournaments. We are also planning to use local hand in coaching U-15s, U-17s and U-19s.
This way, Roy can concentrate on the senior side only. Roy is not only a coach to us, he has also been a mentor to us, so no question of looking for his replacement unless he himself shows the desire to leave Nepal.
Binaya Raj Pandey, third from right, discusses the Mulpani National Academy with locals.
Republica
How do you see the future of Nepali cricket?
I am optimistic. We have a cricket structure that is powered by native cricketers. We have a strong youth side crazy for the game. Cricket in Nepal has reached every nook and corner of the country. I even see a good prospect for the women’s team. The women’s team is very capable and can easily rise, given that only a few countries have strong women’s side in south Asia. The public following of the game has increased exponentially. This will certainly boost cricket in our country. School and college level tournaments are increasing in number. There is no shortage in the number of good players. The corporate sector has also shown interest in sponsorship. We currently have five sponsors and others are ready to come on board. This will ultimately do well for cricket.
What are the hurdles for taking Nepali Cricket to the next level?
Three things will be crucial in determining the fate of the game in Nepal. Infrastructure, human resource and corporate interests.
I think that additional cricketing infrastructure needs to be built, not only in the centre, but in other regions as well. There should be a t least a playing ground in major cities like Biratnagar. Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Mahendra Nagar. We also need an international stadium at the centre so that foreign teams can come and play here. This will improve the fan following of cricket as well.
After a decade-long struggle we have been able to start a cricket stadium in Mulpani. I see it as a small step for Nepali cricket. Though it is only a cricket ground, and not an international-level academy as was promised earlier, we have taken a step forward. We can persuade the Asian Cricket Council to support us build an academy in Mulpani later.
The future will also demand resourceful people who can play and run the game. We need local coaches who can help young talents reach their potentials. And finally the corporate sector needs to see cricket as a good investment. Nepal’s cricket has bright prospects. It will continue to grow in the future.
