‘Now or never for Nepali cricket’

Published On: January 27, 2018 11:17 AM NPT By: Rajan Shah


ICC delegation in Nepal
KATHMANDU, Jan 27: A delegation of International Cricket Council (ICC) led by ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday. The visiting officials will discuss issues surrounding reinstatement of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the team will also help adopt an updated constitution of the CAN, which shall be accepted by all the stakeholders (elected CAN, Advisory committee and ICC). 

The ICC worked closely with the Advisory Group to draft the new statute of the organization. A revised version of this constitution, which was adopted by CAN in August 2017, contained significant changes. This however did not fulfill the conditions set by the ICC Board. Therefore, the ICC has so far not lifted suspension on the CAN.

If the CAN’s functioning track records are anything to go by, the elected CAN is in no position to make further amendments on their behalf. The advisory committee is inclined to resuming and regulating normal cricket in Nepal as soon as possible. The way CAN had created its statute at first place has helped the body to survive but without general support -- either from stakeholders or fans and well-wishers of the game. Therefore, it seems now the only way out is relinquishing the CAN from its reigns in Nepali cricket. They however wouldn’t be ready to relinquish the privilege they have been enjoying so far despite being a volunteer job. It seems it is headed toward only one result- dissolution of the association, something that happened with the cricket in the United States of America (USA) recently.

“ICC is not as helpful as we see from outside. We need association and for that we need sacrifices from associated individuals for betterment of cricket in Nepal. We need playable grounds if not stadiums. We wanted to go South Africa to prepare for division two in Namibia but ICC only allowed us to tour the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We will play, give our best shot and try to qualify for world cup qualifiers. It is vital to shape our next four years of cricket,” expressed Jagat Tamatta, Head Coach of Nepal cricket team in recently held seminar hosted by Madan Bhandari Sports Academy. 

It indicates Nepali cricket’s dependence on ICC, the international cricket governing body. Conditions in Namibia can be hostile for an Asian team like Nepal. From playing on a low and turning pitch of TU cricket ground to fast and bouncing surfaces of Windhoek or Walvis Bay will test Nepali batsmen. South Africa could have been ideal if not best option for Nepal to arrange a mini tour acclimatizing the conditions and surfaces before making their entry in Namibia and face other countries to decide the fate of their cricket in next ICC WCL division cycle that starts in 2019.

More the decision drags, more it affects Nepali cricket from all corners. The rise of multi-million dollar private leagues during the suspension of Nepal’s cricketing body has shown immense possibilities, not only for quality domestic setup but also the economy that any associate cricket nation can envy of.

However, the head of ICC for global development of cricket William Glenwright remains positive toward Nepal’s cricket development. He tweeted, “absolutely determined to get Nepal’s membership reinstated as quickly as possible” on January 26 in reply to a query by Nepal’s U19 head coach Binod Das, who tweeted “the same million eyes will be on your (ICC) next move for Nepal in terms of forming a governing body to run cricket. Hoping for some good news.”

Taking a decision -- giving continuity to the existing body or establishing a new board -- has become urgent and Nepali cricket can no longer afford to remain in further confusion. Taking decision has become imperative also to keep the recent momentum seen in Nepali cricket mainly with local initiatives.

Meanwhile, Khawaja, ICC Deputy Chairman said, “The ICC has been working toward Nepal being reinstated and this has included overseeing the selection, management, operations and finances of Nepal’s national teams to enable them to continue playing.”

Sandeep Lamichhane has made it to the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions. Experts believe the current batch is the best set of players that Nepal ever had. The T20 premier leagues are only throwing new options for national team. Unfortunately, the prolonged negotiations with the underwhelming, incompetent and failed cricket association is hurting Nepali cricket.

 


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