KATHMANDU, Aug 10: The head coach of the Nepal U-19 cricket team Binod Das is set to organize a three-day open trial for the young cricket players across the country from next week with a view to provide an opportunity for youngsters.

Former national team captain Das said that the open trial will be held at the Velocity Arena in Ratopul, Kathmandu from August 13 to 15 and the young cricket players from across the country are invited.

Speaking at a press meet organized in Kathmandu on Thursday, Das further informed that Nepali U-19 players who were born after September 18, 1999 will be eligible to take part in the trial in which he expects young players will get a chance to shine in the team. 

“This trial is going to be held in my own initiative and it will also be helpful for the preparations of the Asia Cup as the new young players will get an opportunity to shine from a newly created team,” said Das. He also informed that he has sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to ask for the approval of the tournament, but he is still to receive approval from them. “Since it is the monsoon season, we don’t have enough time to organize the trial outdoor. We will organize the indoor trial and we also don’t have time for talent hunt like last time when we went to different cities,’’ he added.

For the trial, three players will be selected from each of the seven provinces. Fourteen will be taken from the last U-16 team and nine fresh players other than those selected from the provinces and U-16 team will be selected for the trial. Thus, there will be a pool of altogether 44 players. 

“There were players who got their chance having played from the U-16 and the U-19 age group levels, but many missed the opportunity to feature there. So, this trial camp will be helpful for those who are yet to get a chance,’’ Das further added. “This is not the best practice but since we don’t have a proper domestic structure, this is the best I could do.’’ 

He described it as a big opportunity to play against the likes of India and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup and “we don’t want to lose this chance because of our cricket association.” 

He also said that it was an opportunity to help young players do something in cricket, and that he hoped to get ICC approval for the program.

He also added that the U-19 players like Sandeep Lamichhane, Rohit Kumar Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee won’t be featuring in the trial camp as they are already working with the national team in and outside the country. “We can give a chance for other youngsters instead of playing the already established U-19 players,” the former all-rounder explained. 

A final preliminary squad of 19 players including 7 from the last U-19 national team will be announced after the completion of trials. 

He said he has sought support from other coaches in the project and it’s going to be an equally important experience for young coaches as well. 

“These sorts of things are always challenging, but the thing is it’s always something that I love to do. I love working and coaching youngsters. Actually, I love it more than playing. This is not the best we could do, but at least we are doing something,’’ said the 34-year-old.