Following years-long dispute over the leadership in Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the government dissolved the cricket body in 2014. Even the International Cricket Council (ICC)has so far not been able to resolve the dispute in the national cricket organization.

The top officials responsible to develop good cricket environment in the country have been continuously squabbling over holding key positions for years. The TU International Cricket Ground, which is the only cricket stadium where international matches can be held, is in a sorry state.

Though Cricket has become a popular sports in most of the parts of the country, the responsible authorities have neither taken any serious initiative to develop the infrastructure nor for the betterment of the players. Even cricketers playing for national team and age groups are poorly paid. Players have frequently expressed their disappointment over lack of training and preparations ahead of crucial matches.

Overcoming such challenges, some emerging youth players however have impressed international cricket fraternity and grabbed opportunity of late. Seventeen years old national cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane is one of them. He has become the first Nepali cricketer to be selected for the popular Indian Premier League (IPL). After his auction for the IPL last week, cricket players and fans not only in Nepal but also renowned international cricketers have appreciated Delhi Daredevils’s move to pick the Nepali spinner. My City’s team talked to a few people to know what they think about Lamichhane’s selection in IPL.

Amrit Manandhar, Business person, 48 

 Obviously I felt proud when I heard that the Nepali player had been chosen to play in an international platform. I hope that he will give his best and learn something from other international players. This kind of platform also encourages new players who want to build their career in sports. The negative part of Lamichhane’s transfer is that he won’t be able to give time to the Nepali team. I hope to see him as a successful player, and want to give him my best wishes. 

Dipak Lamichhane, Development worker, 28

 The news of a Nepali player being affiliated to the popular Indian Premier League has amazed me. I feel proud that sportspersons from our country have been making an impressive mark in the international arena. I hope Lamichhane grows professionally as well as personally during his stay with the Indian team, which would be beneficial to the Nepali team in future. I am sure this move has encouraged many young players to make a career in sports. Bimal Gharti Magar and Kiran Chemjong are making us proud through their skills in football. This proves that Nepalis are equally competent in all aspects if given the right opportunity.

Nripendra Jung Basnet, Lawyer, 24

 Nepali players playing in the international arena represent our country. Such players not only help in providing exposure to other fellow players but also to the entire country as a whole. Sandeep Lamichhane has received a good platform with IPL, but he might lack opportunities due to the limited overseas players’ quota in a team. I am not aware of other Nepali players playing for international teams though. The recognition is always a good motivation as it shows that there are good players from Nepal too, and with hard work, they can achieve much more. Playing internationally also gives them better experiences of match situations. If they get to work under an experienced coach, individual as well as team growth can be guaranteed. 

Anita Karki, Student, 17 

 Well, I don’t know much about cricket, but when I heard the news about Lamichhane being a part of the Delhi Daredevils, I was kind of shocked and also proud. He is the first Nepali cricketer to do so. I think his transfer will prove to be beneficial for the growth of Nepali cricket as Lamichhane has turned out to be an example as well as inspiration for others. But, everything has its good and bad aspects. There is a possibility that once our players gain popularity in the international arena, they might hesitate to return and play for Nepal. I hope this will not be the case with Lamichhane.

Binod Neupane, Content writer, 26

 I felt extremely happy when I first came to know that Lamichhane was to play in IPL. I had been following the news since there were rumors about his transfer. I also followed the bidding and finally his confirmation. I think his transfer opens doors for many other competent and potential Nepali players to get international exposure. I am hopeful that this will be a milestone for Nepali sports; we would finally have players that can challenge the international community, and bring maturity in our National teams. Apart of Lamichhane, the news of Kiran Chemjong joining Heri I-League is also exciting. 

Bhabin Rai, 18, Mobile technician 

 I am not a huge fan of cricket, but it was certainly good news that Lamichhane was to play in IPL. Through there are opportunities in Nepali sports, the players are lagging behind for want of proper infrastructures. Hence, Lamichhane’s transfer is the perfect step to advertise Nepali sports in an international platform. I hope he will perform well and collect positive response from other international players.