Nepal Cricket Rise Gains Global Attention
Nepal’s cricket rise has become one of the most exciting stories in international cricket.
For years, the Himalayan nation has combined huge public support with growing performances on the field. Now, the International Cricket Council believes Nepal could follow the path taken by Afghanistan and eventually reach the game’s highest level.
ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said Nepal has developed a strong group of elite players. He also praised the country’s passionate supporters and growing presence at major international tournaments.
“They could be tomorrow’s Afghanistan, or tomorrow’s New Zealand,” Gupta told Reuters.
His comparison reflects the progress Nepal has made in recent years.
T20 World Cup Changed Nepal Cricket
Nepal reached the T20 World Cup for the first time in 2014. That qualification changed the way people viewed cricket in the country.
Nepal had long lived in a region dominated by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Suddenly, the country had a team competing on the international stage.
Former Nepal captain Paras Khadka said the World Cup qualification gave supporters greater belief in the national team.
One-day international status followed in 2018. Cricket then grew rapidly across Nepal and began challenging football for popularity.
The team’s performances have continued to build that connection with fans.
Passionate Fans Drive Nepal’s Growth
Nepal’s supporters have become one of its biggest strengths.
Gupta highlighted the large number of Nepali fans who attended the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. A sea of red filled the Wankhede Stadium during Nepal’s match against Scotland.
Nepal defeated Scotland by seven wickets. The victory marked the team’s first win at that global tournament since 2014.
The result also showed how much Nepal’s cricket standards have improved.
The ICC has invested almost $5 million in Nepal’s cricket development over the past two years. It has also given Nepal co-hosting rights for the 2027 Under-19 Women’s World Cup.
Nepal Premier League Adds Momentum
The Nepal Premier League has provided another boost to the country’s cricket ambitions.
The T20 competition has completed two seasons and created a new commercial opportunity for Nepali cricket.
Khadka believes the league can generate money for player development and better facilities.
He said the competition could provide the financial foundation needed to improve infrastructure and expand development programmes.
The league has also helped create more interest in domestic cricket. That interest could give young players more opportunities to develop at home.
Nepal Wants More Matches Against Top Teams
Nepal’s next challenge is to gain regular experience against stronger international sides.
Khadka believes playing better teams will help Nepal’s players improve faster.
The Cricket Association of Nepal is therefore working on bilateral series against Test-playing nations.
The country has also introduced contracts for male and female players. It has started giving greater attention to red-ball cricket and continues to expand its infrastructure.
These steps could help Nepal build a deeper talent pool.
Afghanistan Provides a Blueprint
Afghanistan’s journey remains an important example for Nepal.
Afghanistan started as an Associate member before making major progress in international cricket. The country eventually earned Test status in 2017.
Khadka believes Nepal can learn from that journey.
“There’s a blueprint for sure,” he said, adding that Nepal would like to follow a similar path.
The road will not be easy. Nepal needs consistent performances, stronger infrastructure and more financial stability.
Still, the country’s growing fan base and improving players have given cricket an important foundation.
For a nation of around 30 million people, the Nepal cricket rise could soon become more than an inspiring Associate-level story. If the current momentum continues, Nepal may have a realistic chance to join cricket’s top table in the years ahead.
