Golden era of Nepali cricket begins, says CAN Chairman Chand

Kailali: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Chairman Chatur Bahadur Chand has declared that the golden era of Nepali cricket has begun.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) trophy tour at Tikapur Park in Kailali, Chairman Chand highlighted the growing popularity of cricket in Nepal. “This is the golden era of cricket. Nepali cricket had never reached this height before,” he said, acknowledging the crucial support of cricket enthusiasts in elevating the sport to its current level.

Chairman Chand emphasized cricket’s role in introducing Nepal to the international stage, noting that the sport has garnered love and support from around the world. He added that the NPL has further strengthened cricket in Nepal by helping players turn professional. “Cricket has now become the most popular sport. We feel proud of it,” he said. “Since the start of the NPL, the number of cricket players has increased, which is a matter of happiness.”

He also praised the Far West for its significant contribution to sports, noting that players from the region are prominently represented in various games.

Mayor of Tikapur Municipality, Ramlal Dagoura Tharu, called the launch of the NPL’s Far West Trophy Tour from Tikapur Park—a key tourist destination in the province—a historic step. He expressed confidence that the trophy tour would help promote Tikapur Park at both national and international levels.

Swatantra Pratap Shah, owner of Sudurpaschim Royals, added that the NPL Trophy Tour was launched in front of the Mahendra Rest House, a historic site where King Mahendra Shah once ruled for a month in 2027 BS. He expressed hope to celebrate victory by winning the trophy again.

Highlighting the growing interest of youth in cricket, Shah said he is ready to invest in local cricket infrastructure if the local government initiates development of a proper cricket field. “The place where players are produced is the local level. If the local government can make the necessary arrangements for the field, we are ready to invest in it,” he said.

The NPL trophy tour will continue to various locations across the Far West, including Kailali.