Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 10: Officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), members of the Nepal national team and prominent figures from the sports and business ecosystem came together for an exclusive evening celebrating the rapid rise of Nepal cricket.
Hosted by TCM Sports at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, the event marked Nepal’s growing stature on the global stage and served as a platform for dialogue and strategic engagement ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The gathering highlighted Nepal cricket’s remarkable journey and its presence at the global showpiece. Those in attendance included TCM Sports Managing Director Lokesh Sharma, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka, CAN Treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka, members of the Nepal cricket team, along with senior corporate leaders and distinguished guests from the sports and business worlds.
The evening featured an engaging chat session hosted by presenter and commentator Andrew Leonard with Nepal captain Rohit Paudel, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka and former Nepal coach Monty Desai. This was followed by a fireside conversation with former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, focusing on Nepal cricket’s accelerated development, competitive evolution and breakthrough performances at the highest level.
Speaking on the occasion, Paras Khadka said Nepal cricket had made steady and meaningful progress over the years through structured development and the passion of players and supporters. “Our participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects the growth of the game in the country and the direction we are moving in. Engagements like this help build partnerships and support our goal of establishing Nepal as a consistent and competitive force in international cricket,” he said.
A major milestone for CAN has been the launch of the Nepal Premier League, an elite T20 franchise tournament now in its second season. The league has strengthened domestic pathways, boosted international visibility and attracted interest from fans, broadcasters and commercial partners, marking a new phase in the professionalisation of cricket in Nepal.
Lokesh Sharma said Nepal’s rise in international cricket had been “nothing short of spectacular”, describing the team as an emerging giant-killer driven by talent, grit and belief. He credited CAN for nurturing the momentum and laying a strong foundation for Nepal’s global cricket journey.
An ICC Associate Member since 1996, Nepal was granted T20I status in 2014 and ODI status in 2018 and today boasts one of the strongest fan bases among Associate nations.
The Nepal national team is currently in India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking its third appearance at the tournament. The team opened its campaign with a spirited performance against England in Mumbai, narrowly losing a last-ball thriller by four runs, and will next face Italy in a Group C match at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.