Kathmandu, Aug 22: President Ram Chandra Paudel has extended best wishes to the Nepali national cricket team leaving for Pakistan to play the Asia Cup international cricket tournament.
During a meeting with the cricket team at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, on Tuesday, the president wished for the success of the team in the tournament running from August 30 to September 17.
PM Dahal extends best wishes to Nepali cricketers
On the occasion, he expressed hope that Nepal's performance in such types of tournaments will prove to be an opportunity to build the personality of the players, and for promoting the nation’s prestige and identity.
Stating that the growing interest in cricket and recent accomplishments in the game had been the reason for excitement among the Nepalis, President Paudel was of the opinion that the government should focus on improving cricket infrastructures and creating more opportunities in sports including cricket to make the sector more productive.
"It is a matter of excitement for the Nepali team to get an opportunity to play with globally recognized teams such as India and Pakistan. May your hard work and dedication result in the exceptional performances and the desired outcome," the head of the state said.
The event will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It will be played in a hybrid format of fifty overs and 20 overs with the participation of six teams divided into two groups. Nepal is in Group A along with heavyweights Pakistan and India while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Nepal will meet Pakistan in the opening match in Multan.