Cricket Association of Nepal & government apathy ruining Nepali cricket.

The national   cricket team   of   Nepal`s performance at the Twenty/20 World Cup in Bangladesh   was remarkable and sensational.

 

Despite two impressive wins against Hong Kong   and Afghanistan, Nepal narrowly failed to join the elite teams in the league cum knock out phase.

 

It was a story of so close yet so far. A better net   run rate than Bangladesh   could have ensured Nepal   a   historical spot in the final round.

 

That did not happen but they dished out a creditable   and heartwarming   performance, generating   excitement of hysterical proportions in fans.  

 

More important, they were able to win the hearts and minds of   sport enthusiasts who were literally bowled over by the performance.

 

Team Nepal`s   superb performance earned high marks from all quarters   and was   greeted with great joy and happiness   by   everyone across the country.

 

Expectedly, people of all walks   of life showered praises on cricketers. Media houses, government and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) promptly   announced   cash rewards for the gutsy showing.

 

Both electronic and print media coverage of   Team Nepal was   extensive   and out of the ordinary. The networks (TV) locked horns for the best coverage.

 

Edgy fans closely   kept track of   the team`s progress in the competition and their joy knew no bound, following   their fantastic run in the championship.

 

Not surprisingly, for   a week or so   cricket news eclipsed media headlines and was the subject of discussion everywhere.

 

Now the frenzy seemed to have died down   somewhat. This is not the first time the entire country got so overwhelmed by the national team’s performance. We have   witnessed   it happen time and time again in recent years.

 

Apparently, cricket   in   Nepal is getting increasingly popular and   bigger   by the day. The public support for the game is staggering and fan base is rapidly swelling.

 

Unfortunately, there has   been   much talk but no action when it comes to development of cricket in the true sense over the decades.

 

With the kind of talent at our disposal, there is not an iota of doubt that we can achieve bigger successes. The biggest irony is that Nepali cricket has been living on hopes, dreams and assurances only all these years. There have been no real efforts to translate hopes    into reality.

 

We continue to wait, hoping something good will   happen. The fact of the matter is that cricket in Nepal  is in a sad state of affairs and  stands at a   precarious juncture although we have   made great strides   in   recent   years strictly   in terms of results internationally.  

 

The biggest hindrance   Nepal cricket   today faces   is the absence of   infrastructures, facilities and grounds. In addition, CAN responsible for the   promotion and development of cricket has not only badly failed   in its duties but has transformed itself   into a laughing stock.

 

Like any other national sport association, CAN administration has been politicized in a very big way and run by unprofessional for years. If this trend continues, it is obvious that the development of cricket will remain stagnant and cricketers’ woes will continue.

 

However, this has not stopped aspiring cricketers from playing the game. They have committed themselves and  bravely withstood and overcome challenges. More importantly, what they have accomplished   is just as impressive or even more so.  They deserve every bit of praise they are given.

 

 

The media comes out full throttle only when the national team does something spectacular. Otherwise, they are in a slumber mode when it comes   to   applying consistent   pressure on CAN   and   government to   act for the most part.

 

Since mass   media has the power to influence in a big way, it   must constantly put  relentless pressure on responsible parties to get things done. The cold hard fact is that there is  just so much uncertainity  right now, the future of Nepal cricket will not change if nothing changes.