Well done cricketers!
By Sushil Thapa
(August 2002)

Having already captivated the attention of the cricketing world, our national team stands on the threshold of competing in yet another major championship. The right to play at the upcoming Asia Cup cricket championship against heavyweights in the likes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka is a dream come true for Nepali cricketers who have displayed tremendous poise and confidence over the years. This is a significant and encouraging development in the history of Nepali cricket.

Our cricketers have been rendered a rare opportunity to lock horns with not only their long time idols but some of the game's best players. It should be a great and productive experience for the boys who are keenly looking forward to the competition.

Our recent international success amply proves that we are an emerging force in the game. The accomplishments achieved by our national teams in New Zealand and Singapore has earned us respect and recognition, internationally. The boys who made this happen deserve accolades and appreciation from the bottom of our hearts. They toiled hard, putting in every inch of their effort to beat the heavy odds staked against them. 

The second place finish at the recently concluded Asian Cricket Council championship in Singapore clearly marks Nepal's steady  progress. Losing the final to favorites the United Arab Emirates with World Cup experiences was no surprise. They played to their potential and gave the fancied opposition a run for their money. Going by the press reports, the team churned out a vastly improved performance in all departments of the game.

In a display of superior techniques they humbled Oman, Singapore and Malaysia before reaching the final. Individual brilliance and excellent team effort contributed to their success. Twice Nepal went down to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a team packed with mostly Indian and Pakistani expatriates, including in the final. The UAE considered as one of the best in this level of competition had to give their best to ward off an upset.

Indeed the two defeats did expose our deficiencies. The batting department in particular looked susceptible and needs to be solidify if we are to give ourselves any chances against formidable opponents. As a matter of fact, we lack compact and technically sound batsman who can stick to the wickets and lay down a strong foundation. The good news is that we have a promising line of youngsters who have skills to become world class batsman. Given the right environment, training and exposure they can fill in the void. On the bowling side, our bowlers came out with flying colors no doubt, but there is plenty of room for improvement. The bowlers must work on their pace, spin, line and length further to make themselves more penetrative and effective.

The physical and mental state of players is one other area that needs immediate attention. In this era of professionalism and cut throat competition it is imperative that athletes are strong mentally and physically to withstand pressure.

Indisputably our international success has come mainly through the hard work, effort, conviction, willpower and never give up attitude of the boys. Former Sri Lankan international Dias, national coach of Nepal also deserves credit for paving the way for the team's success amidst difficult and challenging circumstances. He has applied all his expertise and experiences to build a winning combination one after another.

Having said so, a lot remains to be done and achieved. Of course, this is just the beginning of a long innings. Surely our goals are lofty and hope to establish ourselves as the newest power of the game one day. Although possible but admittedly extremely difficult for the simple reason we lack the basic needs to get the momentum going.

In a country like ours where sports is secondary and overlooked by the government, developing any sports becomes a Herculean task. The government should rethink and reconsider its sports policies and support those disciplines in which we are truly capable of making a dent.  Also the role of national associations which is stellar is a very important factor to get sports development moving regardless of the situation. They must rise above their vested interest and explore new avenues to accumulate resources necessary to push sports on the right track.

The entire cricketing community in the nation  hopes that the government and Cricket Association of Nepal    works in tandem to uplift the game and not let down our young heroes who have brought unprecedented pride and prestige to the nation.

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