Cricket's popularity is growing in Nepal but the country faces problems of infrastructure and the lack of a first-class competition
Nepal's maiden World T20 appearance is the culmination of a long and difficult journey, and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is hoping Paras Khadka's side will continue to raise the profile of a game that is quickly gaining popularity in the country.
"The performance of our side has instilled a sense of pride among people in the country and fans of the game," Ashok Nath Pyakuryal, the secretary of CAN, said. "Football is one of the more popular games in the country, but the side's recent wins have boosted cricket's profile and also attracted funds towards the game."
The boost to cricket's popularity in Nepal was perhaps most visible when the team qualified for the World T20 in November 2013 and fans thronged the airport to greet the side that finished third in the World T20 Qualifier. In the ACC Twenty20 Cup, the qualifying tournament for 2013 World T20 Qualifier, Nepal made it to the final before losing to Afghanistan. The senior team also had another memorable achievement in 2013, when they finished at the top of the World Cricket League Division Three, three years after starting out in Division Five.
Like for most Affiliate and Associate Members, infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges for Nepal. In their case, however, that problem is compounded by geography, because a substantial part of the country is home to the Himalayan mountain ranges.
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