We grew up listening to the infamous phrase: people who play cricket (mispronounced as Kir Ket) are fools, and those who watch are stupids. Our generation has witnessed a downpour of stones amid an international match, courtesy of “stupid” spectators. On the flip side, we have also experienced a series of positive episodes; including our Rhinos -- the national cricket sides -- qualify to the world cup, and recently, register their first ODI win.
Bhanu Sigdel, a passionate fan, remembers, “The game was mocked as Indian’s game. But now, the cricket fans have emerged in large numbers.” Considering the growth, Sigdel legally registered the first fan club -- Nepal Cricket Supporters Society -- in 17 districts of Nepal. His engagement has enabled him to gain a firsthand experience of the growth of Nepali cricket. He credits the right-hand spinster, Sandeep Lamichhane, who also showed his charisma in the IPL, for introducing Nepali cricket to the world.
The global reorganization has caused several children to weave a dream of representing the national side. However, the lack of training facility limits their dreams to smaller factions.
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Sachin Lekhak, Kathmandu Cricket Training Center (KCTC) player, points the government interference and nepotism as the biggest challenges of Nepali cricket. “Though corruption isn’t as prominent in cricket as it was in the past, selectors are seen giving preference to known faces,” he stated.
Likewise, Prabesh Thapaleeya, of Balwatar Cricket Training Center, commented that the absence of a governing body as the main challenge in taking Nepali cricket to the next stage. Similarly, Bibek Rana Magar, a representative of KCTC, urged to initiate scholarship and sponsorship schemes for young cricketers. Magar said, “Money can be an obstacle for new players. Since the players have to bear all expenses themselves, they have to depend mostly on their family’s income.”
National player and owner of KCTC, Gyanendra Malla said that they fund enthusiastic players who cannot afford training fees. He further commented, “If any female players wishes to choose cricket as a career, we are open to helping them in every way possible.”
It’s a dream of every cricket enthusiast to see the government bodies, associated with the sport, and CAN to develop an efficient coordination mechanism. An increase in investment toward the sports and bringing an end to nepotism are also the key demands of Nepali cricket fans.
Ratna Katwal, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports informed about the progress of cricket in the country. He said that physical infrastructures, including stadiums, are in the process of construction, and added, “The ministry is focused on the development of cricket stadiums rather than the development of cricket players.”
However, Nepali cricket fans await the end of the administrative tussle to reinitiate a steady progress of cricket in Nepal.
