Former captain and current CAN secretary Paras Khadka represented Nepal at the ICC Annual Conference held in Singapore, where he spoke passionately about Nepal cricket’s journey so far and where it’s headed next.
Sharing insights from the stage, Paras reflected on how far Nepal has come. “I spent nearly two decades taking Nepal from Division Five to ODI status. What we’ve achieved is incredible, but it’s just the beginning. Moving forward with a clear strategy is now more important than ever,” he said.
One of the highlights of his speech was the success of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). Paras called it a turning point for Nepal’s cricket ecosystem. “The NPL wasn’t just a domestic tournament. It caught global attention. With eight franchises backed by local investors, we brought in stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Jimmy Neesham, and even Brian Lara. Neesham lifted his first franchise trophy right here in Nepal.”
He added a symbolic moment: “We placed a stone from Mount Everest on the NPL trophy to highlight the serious threat of climate change and Nepal’s role at its epicenter. Through cricket, we can raise powerful messages like this.”
Paras also celebrated Nepal’s recent international performances. “We’ve played in two World Cups, featured in the Asia Cup, and almost beat South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup by just one run. Over 8,000 Nepali fans were there in Dallas. It showed our strength as a cricket nation.”
Talking about the growth of women’s cricket, he emphasized its importance in Nepal’s journey toward full ICC membership. “This year, for the first time, our women’s team reached the Global Qualifiers. We’re prioritizing women’s cricket there’s no turning back now.”
He also acknowledged increasing support from the government. “For the first time, the sports budget has doubled. An international-standard stadium with floodlights is on the way. We’ve already introduced red-ball formats in domestic cricket. Franchise leagues bring money, but we must also invest in Test cricket.”
Looking to the future, Paras said, “We have loyal fans, the government’s support, and ICC backing. We’re set to play our first series against the West Indies. Becoming a Test nation isn’t just a dream anymore it’s our commitment.”
Paras’s address was said to be one of the most impactful moments of the ICC Conference. More than just a speech, it reflected a clear vision for where Nepal cricket is heading and how it plans to make a mark on the global stage.
