Nepali Cricket in the Year 2012

The   New Year   countdown has begun and it is the right time to look back   at what happened   in the world of   Nepali cricket in 2012.

Our cricketers   have had a busy year competing in various domestic and international competitions.    Over all, I would say it was a mixed bag strictly in terms of performance and outcome, especially in international tournaments.

There were   setbacks and successes aplenty and   missed opportunities, as well.  Surely, we can do much better than this. The players played   their hearts   out, undoubtedly, but there are various facets of the game where improvement   is   desperately needed.

We always tend   to highlight the talent   and potential of our players. It is   a   proven fact that raw talent alone is not enough to garner success.

Without an iota   of   doubt, our cricketers   are   hard working, fiercely enthusiastic and passionate. That being said, success, however, continues   to elude them in a significant way.

The   pathetic state of   domestic cricket, coupled with poor infrastructure and politicizing of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is the main impediment.

CAN manned by political appointees, not real professionals has   guided cricket to nowhere. This is a classic case of   the administration being   all   talk but no action.

Despite   increased growth and popularity of cricket in the country, CAN have not been able to make any significant   headway in terms of sustainable development, owing to their non-committal attitude.

In addition domestic   cricket   has suffered and suffers badly, due to the absence of adequate   playing facilities, along with lack of proper pitches, coaching programmes and quality tournaments.

In spite of   everything, there are no stopping cricketers. They continue to play for the love of the game and   to   bring glory and honor to the   country.

I commend them for their   sacrifice, spirit and   outstanding efforts.  It is admirable what they have achieved under these challenging and difficult circumstances.

Sri Lankan Pubudu Dassanayake and his coaching staff have exercised their responsibilities with competence and diligence. They deserve praise for their wholehearted efforts.

Success of the National Team

The biggest   cricket   success story of 2012   was the   national team. The long wait for success was finally over. After having come so close on numerous occasions   in the past, they capped off a successful year with two very important tournament wins.

The team put in a flawless performance to win the ICC World League Division Four   tournament in Malaysia. They played compelling   cricket and remained unbeaten. But more importantly, the win earned Nepal promotion to Division three.

Left arm spinner Basanta Regmi was at his very best. He walked away with “Player of the Tournament “ for his 21 wicket haul. The batting honor was shared by the trio of Subash Khakurel, Gyanendra Malla and Paras Khadkha.

The national team made it two in a row, following their ACC Trophy Elite20 triumph in the UAE. They shared the trophy with the UAE in a thriller.

Skipper  Paras Khadka  was the highest run getter for Nepal ,and Sharad  Vesawkar  was the other outstanding batter.

Earlier in the year, despite a promising start Nepal   stumbled to finish 7^th in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers held in the UAE. They finished the tournament with   five wins and four defeats.

Nepal U-19 disappoint

The year did not go down well for the talented Nepal U-19. A lot was expected from the young squad. They  competed  in two high profile tournaments, and the young Turks had the chance to show off their talent against the best in the world.

However , they failed to make the desired impact. Nepal  went down rather  meekly  to India and Pakistan  in the Asia Cup held in Malaysia. Their only consolation win came against Malaysia.

After much anticipation, the ICC World Cup   championship in Australia was   quite a disappointment for Nepal. By and large, they were bogged down in mediocrity. They  were unable to match or surpass their past  performances.

I would say, though, I am   confident   and  convinced they will bounce back. It is only a matter of time  

 

Nepal  U-16  denied Elite Cup

Nepal’s hope of winning the maiden U-16 Elite Cup in Malaysia was thwarted by  Malaysia in a gripping final. Nonetheless, the youngsters are full of promise, and they need to build on their promise in the days to come

 

Poor show by Nepal   in ACC Women’s T20

Our women cricketers have shown remarkable progress, in recent   years. The ACC Women’s T20 held in China, however,   was   a   letdown   for Nepal result wise. They were expected to do well but concluded the competition winless.

It is not the end of the world,  the  team  should learn from their mistakes and have to  come back strong. Without a doubt, our cricketers are capable of delivering much more for the team.

Nepal U-19 Women dominate

The U-19 Women outfit asserted their domination by winning the ACC U-19 Women’s Championship for a record three consecutive times in Kuwait.

Skipper Rubina Chhetri was adjudged player of the tournament, and Mamata Chaudhary was another player to have impressed.

The team is loaded with talent, and given the right guidance, training, facilities and opportunities, they can certainly soar to new heights.

APF on top

Armed Police Force studded with international players emerged victorious against Bhairahawa to win the National Twenty20 cricket tournament. Eight teams were in the fray,  and defending champion Nepal Police Club did not compete.

 

Paras and Shakti   under spotlight

Skipper  of  the national team Paras Khadka and Shakti Gauchan were  the  most talked about in  Nepali cricket. The right- handed batsman  Khadka made news after he signed to play for the Canadian side Ontario Cricket Club, and he became the first  Nepali cricketer to play overseas.

Leg spinner Shakti Gauchan hogged the headlines, following  his trial  with  Rajasthan Royals. Although he  was not picked for the team, he earned high marks for his potential from the IPL franchise.

Also the two were the only Nepali cricketers   picked by ESPNStar for the Best XI of the ICC World Qualifier 2012 in the UAE.

What to expect in 2013?

Apparently, CAN   holds  key  to  Nepali cricket future.  In my   opinion   there will likely   not be much change. I hope I am   wrong. I wish our cricketers all the best and future success. Keep up the good work regardless of the situation.