Cricket Rekindles Hope

Kudos to the Nepali men’s cricket team for leading Nepal to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the third time. Nepal qualified for the 2026 tournament after an unbeaten run in the Asia/East Asia Pacific Qualifier held in Oman. The feat exhibited by the Nepali cricketers has brought the Nepali people together to celebrate the historic moment in Nepali sports. No other sports team has reached a global tournament three times. Nepal first played in the T20 World Cup in 2014, held in Bangladesh. After a 10-year gap, they returned for the 2024 edition, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. 

Now, with back-to-back appearances, Nepal is proving it’s not just a side player but a serious contender. This third qualification comes at a time when the country is facing political unrest, especially after the Gen Z protests. The news brought joy and pride to Nepalis across the nation. In a time of frustration and uncertainty, cricket — one of Nepal’s most loved sports — has given people hope and confidence.

With cricket’s growing success in recent years, the government has made it a top priority. Funds have been set aside to build and improve stadiums across the country. The previous government, which was removed after the Gen-Z protests, had focused on upgrading the TU Cricket Ground into a full-fledged stadium. The first phase — building the parapet and installing floodlights — is nearly complete. The current government has approved a second phase upgrade worth Rs. 10 billion. This is a positive step, but timely action is key. 

Delays by contractors are common in Nepal. Five months have already passed since the original deadline for phase one of the TU Cricket Ground. The unfinished Mulpani Cricket Stadium, once seen as a future hub for big matches, still stands incomplete — a clear sign of slow progress. Likewise, the stadiums being built outside Kathmandu are reportedly awaiting funding to complete or upgrade them. The government needs to provide support to build more cricket grounds so that more talented players can be produced in the future.  

After earning a spot in the T20 World Cup and gaining One Day International (ODI) status, Nepal now aims to become a Full Member of the International Cricket Council. To reach that level, infrastructure must be treated as a serious need, not just a formality. As the cricket team celebrates its well-earned success, the government must act quickly to honour its achievement.

Cash rewards and official recognition are not just gifts — they show national pride and inspire future excellence. Despite legal provisions, the delay in awarding Nepal’s men’s and women’s Kho-Kho teams, who won silver at the World Cup, is a cautionary tale. Let not the cricket heroes suffer the same fate.

Nepal’s cricket journey is about more than just runs and wickets. It reflects national pride, youth dreams, and global respect. In a country often divided by politics, cricket brings people together, sending a message of reconciliation and mutual harmony among the people. Now, the government, sports bodies and private sectors must collaborate to make sure this success leads to lasting progress by building required infrastructures and encouraging the players.