The Cricket Association of Nepal has announced its 2025 cricket calendar, highlighting extensive international engagements for both men’s and women’s teams, including participation in various tournaments and led by a priority to qualify for the World Cup. Major events include a new Women’s Elite Cup and the men’s tour to Sri Lanka, among other initiatives.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has disclosed its cricketing schedule for 2025, emphasizing a busy year for both the men’s and women’s national teams. CAN Secretary Paras Khadka stated the commitment to advance women’s cricket, noting the women’s team will be active internationally throughout the year.
The women’s senior team, currently engaged in a quadrangular series in Uganda, is set to tour Bhutan in April. They will also participate in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers in Thailand in May and the Women’s Emerging Team Asia Cup in June. Additionally, a tri-series in October with Malaysia and the UAE, along with a pentangular series in December featuring Uganda, Namibia, the UAE, and the Netherlands, is confirmed.
For the first time, CAN will host a 50-over-format Women’s Elite Cup in October. Furthermore, Khadka mentioned coordination efforts with Sri Lanka for a potential women’s team tour in October, following the men’s team confirmed camp in Sri Lanka in July, aimed at preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Oman in October.
The men’s team will also tour India, Australia, and the UAE in August and September to prepare. Khadka highlighted, “Our main priority for this year is to qualify for the World Cup and get as many points as possible in the CWC League 2.” In June, Nepal will visit Scotland for a CWC League 2 tri-series.
Moreover, the 2025 calendar includes a player release and retain process, alongside a mini auction for the second NPL scheduled in June and August, respectively. Khadka added, “The date for the second NPL will be revealed once it is accepted by the ICC.”
Finally, CAN plans to organize a National School Championship aimed at SEE-graduate students in May, underlining an investment in grassroots development. “We need to invest more in the grassroots,” Khadka reiterated, focusing on collaborations with district and provincial bodies to enhance cricketing opportunities throughout the country.
In summary, the Cricket Association of Nepal has outlined an ambitious cricketing calendar for 2025, featuring numerous international tours and competitions for both men’s and women’s teams. The focus remains on qualifying for the World Cup, promoting women’s cricket, and cultivating grassroots initiatives. The commitment to enhancing cricket development in Nepal underscores CAN’s strategic plans for the upcoming year.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
