Nepal’s Cricket Ambitions Soar at T20 World Cup in Mumbai

Nepal’s cricketing journey takes a significant step forward as the national team prepares for the T20 World Cup in March 2024, aiming to make a mark on the global stage. Coach Stuart Law, an experienced figure in international cricket, believes this tournament presents a unique opportunity for Nepal to shine against formidable opponents such as England and West Indies.

In an interview, Law expressed confidence in his team’s potential. “I keep telling the boys that England and West Indies will be under far more pressure than us,” he noted. “We have no right to win those games, but if we can capitalize on any mistakes they make, they could crumble.” His perspective reflects the underdog mentality that often accompanies teams with less historical success in the sport.

Nepal’s opening match against two-time T20 world champions England will take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Law, who has extensive coaching experience with teams like West Indies and Sri Lanka, is enthusiastic about leading a rapidly developing cricket nation. “I’m loving it,” he stated. “The freedom I have to do my job is fantastic.”

The rise of cricket in Nepal is noteworthy. The country gained T20 international status from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Subsequently, they achieved one-day international (ODI) status in 2018. Their most impressive performance to date came in the last T20 World Cup held in the U.S. and Caribbean, where they narrowly lost to South Africa by just one run.

Cricket’s popularity in Nepal has surged among its 30 million residents, with a growing T20 franchise league enhancing the domestic cricket landscape. The demand for tickets for Nepal’s matches in this World Cup ranks second only to those for matches involving India. Law remarked, “Football used to be the biggest sport in Nepal, but cricket has overtaken it, and the emergence of the Nepal Premier League has added to that.”

Looking ahead, expectations are high within Nepal. Law noted, “The expectation in Nepal is Test cricket. I don’t think that will happen next year, but the management, fan-base, and players are all keen for it.” He emphasized that although the desire for Test cricket is strong, it will require time and proper infrastructure to achieve that goal.

While enthusiasm among fans is palpable, it also brings pressure. Law acknowledged, “There will be people calling for my head if we don’t win this World Cup — that’s the level of expectation.” Despite this, he maintains a realistic outlook, stating that while many believe Nepal should qualify from their group, nothing is guaranteed.

Nepal’s recent performance against West Indies, where they won a bilateral series 2-1 last year, showcased their potential. “I’m not sure people realize how monumental that was for the development of cricket in Nepal,” Law said, highlighting the significance of the victory.

The squad features a blend of experience and youth, including Nandan Yadav, a 25-year-old bowler who is set to make his World Cup debut. Yadav shared his journey, explaining, “I used to play tennis-ball cricket at school. After watching Nepal at the 2014 World Cup, I was inspired to take up the game more seriously.” He expressed pride in representing his country and the unity among players, stating, “To play under the flag really does mean everything.”

Law is keenly aware of the challenges ahead, particularly against England. “When we were told we’d be playing England in the first game, everyone had a big smile on their face,” he said. “Not that we think we’re going to wipe the floor with them, but just that we’re going to be playing a team with that quality.”

The atmosphere at Wankhede Stadium is expected to be electric, with passionate supporters on both sides. Law anticipates a memorable encounter, declaring, “I expect to be sitting out there with the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.”

As Nepal embarks on this journey, their aspirations of establishing themselves as a competitive cricketing nation are both ambitious and inspiring. The T20 World Cup serves not only as a platform for showcasing talent but also as a step towards realizing their dream of playing Test cricket in the future.