Lauderhill, Florida – Nepal captain Rohit Paudel has issued a compelling call for increased international exposure, specifically requesting tours from cricket powerhouses like England and Australia following his team’s spirited performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Nepalese side narrowly missed a stunning upset against England on , falling just four runs short in a thrilling last-ball finish.
The near-miss against England, coupled with a similarly close contest against South Africa at the previous T20 World Cup (losing by a single run), has highlighted Nepal’s growing competitiveness on the global stage. Despite their progress, opportunities to test themselves against the top-ranked teams remain scarce. Currently, West Indies are the only Test-playing nation to have faced Nepal in a bilateral series outside of major tournaments and qualifying events, a three-match T20 series held last year.
“It would mean a lot, especially if Australia or England comes to Nepal,” Paudel stated. “That would show world cricket Nepal also plays cricket and plays decent cricket. This World Cup has shown that.”
Paudel’s plea extends beyond mere prestige. He believes that regular fixtures against cricket’s elite are crucial for the continued development of the sport in Nepal. “If Australia, England, India comes our cricket will grow. It will help globalise the cricket more. It is very important.”
Nepal’s ambition doesn’t stop at competitive matches. The nation harbors aspirations of achieving Test status, a goal that Paudel believes will be significantly aided by increased opportunities to play against established Test-playing nations. Efforts to secure such fixtures following their close encounter with South Africa in the previous World Cup proved unsuccessful, underscoring the challenges faced by Associate nations in gaining access to high-level competition.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly open to the possibility of a future tour, but the congested international cricket calendar presents a significant obstacle. The demands of existing commitments and broadcast schedules often limit opportunities for matches against Associate members.
The 2024 T20 World Cup has already demonstrated the potential for growth in regions like the United States, co-hosting the tournament alongside the West Indies. Nepal’s participation, alongside fellow debutants Canada and the United States, has broadened the tournament’s reach and showcased the talent emerging from outside the traditional cricketing strongholds. The tournament, which concluded on , saw India crowned champions, defeating South Africa in the final by seven runs.
Aqib Ilyas, captain of Oman, was also recently named as his team’s skipper for the tournament, highlighting the growing professionalism and preparation within Associate nations. Oman’s participation marks their third appearance in the T20 World Cup, and they opened their campaign against Namibia in Barbados.
The success of teams like Nepal and Oman in the tournament underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to international cricket scheduling. While the established nations continue to dominate the revenue streams and broadcast attention, the potential for growth and the development of the game globally hinges on providing more opportunities for Associate members to compete at the highest level.
Paudel’s call is not simply a request for matches. it’s a plea for recognition and investment in the future of cricket. A tour by a major nation to Nepal would not only inspire a generation of cricketers but also send a powerful message about the ICC’s commitment to globalizing the sport and fostering its growth beyond its traditional boundaries.
The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup saw a significant expansion in participation, increasing from 16 to 20 teams. This expansion, while positive, necessitates a corresponding increase in opportunities for these teams to develop and compete effectively. Jasprit Bumrah of India was named Player of the Series, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Afghanistan led the tournament in runs scored with 281, and Fazalhaq Farooqi of Afghanistan and Arshdeep Singh of India shared the leading wicket-taker award with 17 wickets each.
The challenge now lies with the ICC and the major cricket boards to address the scheduling imbalances and create a more equitable system that allows Associate nations like Nepal to flourish and contribute to the global growth of the game. Paudel’s words serve as a potent reminder that the future of cricket depends on embracing inclusivity and investing in the potential of all its member nations.
