Nepal Cricket Team Prepares for T20 Qualifiers in India

New Delhi, July 21 (PTI) - Nepal's men's cricket team is set to undergo training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 20 to September 4, as part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup qualifiers. This initiative is supported by the Indian government, aiming to "connect the youth of the two countries."

The T20 World Cup qualifiers are slated for October, with the main tournament scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka.

Previously, in August of last year, the Indian government facilitated training for Nepal's team at the same Center of Excellence. In addition, Nepal participated in a triangular T20 practice tournament, competing against teams from the Baroda and Gujarat Cricket Associations, prior to the T20 Cricket Cup held in June of the previous year.

Cricket has fostered a fresh dimension to the longstanding and historically rich ties between India and Nepal, engaging the youth of both nations through a mutual enthusiasm for the sport, as noted by an Indian government official.

Underscoring India’s dedication, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met with the Nepalese men's cricket team and representatives from the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) in January 2024, expressing India’s support for the development of cricket in Nepal.

The Indian government also backed a practice tournament featuring the Under-19 teams of Nepal and the Delhi & District Cricket Association team in Nepal this past March.

Nepal's women's team was involved in a preparation camp in Delhi during April and May, gearing up for the Asia World Cup Qualifiers in Thailand, also held in May, where Nepal successfully reached the finals.

Meanwhile, in July, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu facilitated a month-long professional training program in Bhopal for three promising Under-19 cricketers from Nepal.

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