Private sector launches construction of cricket ground in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi: Construction of a cricket ground has commenced in Dhangadhi, Kailali, with investment from the private sector. The foundation stone has been laid for a cricket ground spanning five bigahs of land near the Fapla ground in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-3. The project, which also includes the development of a park, is being undertaken with the investment of Subash Shahi and Mohan Saund, who also serve as presidents of Fapla Sports Village.

According to Shahi, the ground will feature six pitches. He said the cricket ground will have a boundary measuring between 65 and 75 meters in line with international standards. Shahi added that work ranging from wall construction to ground leveling has already been completed, and pitch construction began on Monday. The pitch is being constructed by curator Madhav Pathak, who prepared the Extratech Oval Cricket Ground in Rupandehi.

Shahi stated that the Detailed Project Report and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Fapla International Cricket Stadium and Sports Village have been approved, clearing the way for stadium construction and the implementation of infrastructure development. He said the foundation stone of Dhangadhi Oval has been laid to provide a strong base for this broader initiative. According to him, infrastructure at Dhangadhi Oval will be developed in phases.

“This is not only about building a ground, but also about grassroots empowerment and promoting sports tourism,” Shahi said, adding that the initiative is a collective effort to expand economic activities and transform the sports identity of the Far West into a matter of national pride.

Shahi explained that the first phase includes the construction of pitches along with the installation of irrigation and drainage systems. In the second phase, a pavilion, changing rooms and a net practice area will be developed. The third phase will involve the construction of a parapet, installation of floodlights, and the development of food corners and other commercial stalls outside the ground.

A former cricketer, Shahi is widely known as an advocate for cricket development. Under his leadership, the SPA Cup was launched in Dhangadhi. He also organized Nepal’s first auction-based Dhangadhi Cricket League and led the organization of the Dhangadhi Premier League tournament. More recently, Shahi has been organizing the Arjun Trophy national cricket competition.