By 
In a year marked by the Cricket World Cup in India, a poignant display of cricket fervor emerged from Nepal. The passionate Nepalese cricket enthusiasts gathered to witness the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup final, a qualifying tournament for the 2023 Asia Cup, against UAE at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, undeterred by the rain.
As the stadium reached full capacity, fans ingeniously perched on nearby trees, buildings, and parked vehicles to witness the historic event and passionately support their team. With the rain-interrupted match extending to the reserve day, the crowd returned in full force. Nepal emerged victorious against UAE, securing qualification for the Asia Cup 2023.
Following Afghanistan’s ascent in world cricket, Nepal has emerged as the next major cricket hub. Nestled at the base of the Himalayas, this landlocked former kingdom is steeped in cricket enthusiasm, with players exhibiting renewed vigor, buoyed by passionate fans. Notably, Nepal’s performance trajectory is on a rapid upward climb, earning them qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier and retaining ODI status until 2027. Their triumph in the 2023 ACC Men’s Premiere Cup secured them a spot in the 2023 Asia Cup, and they have also secured a place in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA after a decade-long hiatus.
At the helm of these transformative changes for the Nepal team is the mild-mannered and soft-spoken head coach, Monty Desai. Monty brings extensive coaching and player scouting experience to the table. In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, he outlined the blueprint and challenges for Nepal cricket, emphasizing why he views it as the most exciting project he has been a part of.
In addressing the present obstacles hindering the advancement of Nepal cricket, Monty Desai underscored two pivotal aspects: exposure and infrastructure. Despite the abundance of talent and a fervent love for the game, the critical need lies in offering adequate facilities, training, and guidance. This ensures the refinement of players’ skills and directs them onto the correct path of development. By addressing these key areas, Nepal can fortify its cricketing foundation and pave the way for sustained growth in the sport.
“You just have to see the talent. They just need exposure. I know these boys are raw, not very well polished. But you should see the kind of heart they bring in when they get onto the ground and perform. A little bit of support, a little bit of exposure with good infrastructure in place, they will be very exciting talents,” Monty Desai on the abundance of talent in Nepal Cricket.
The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, serving as the primary training venue, has been equipped with just one bowling machine and a meager two dozen bowling machine balls for the past few years. Unfortunately, the financial constraints faced by Nepal cricket have hindered the possibility of hiring a full-time sidearm trainer—a professional who uses a dog stick to throw balls to the batter.
The vision for Nepal’s cricket development extends beyond the current limitations. There is a collective aspiration to establish proper playing grounds in all provinces, equipped with multiple bowling machines to enhance batting volume. Recognizing the need for infrastructure improvement to align with full-member nation teams, Monty Desai advocates starting with the T20 format as a strategic entry point to achieve these ambitions.
“We are also trying to look at companies with good credentials to come and invest in Nepal T20 leagues. Nepal has a huge potential in terms of eyeballs. There are thirty-five million people,” Monty Desai on the potential of Nepal Cricket.
Leveraging his Gujarati business background and experience in the USA, Monty Desai proposes and extends an invitation to IPL franchises to attend a live cricket match in Nepal. He believes that witnessing the game’s popularity firsthand could be instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding.
Monty sees the potential for an exciting opportunity if IPL franchises choose to invest in Nepal cricket. He underscores the geographical proximity of Nepal to the IPL teams, emphasizing the prospect for substantial investment that could prove mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
“The IPL main franchises have gone all the way to the USA. They are investing there. All the IPL franchises should visit and experience a live game in Nepal. There is no question that why you would not invest into Nepal.” Monty Desai on why IPL franchisee must consider Nepal T20 league.
Comments