Chasing popularity, losing direction: Nepali cricket’s reverse path
Summary
Nepal's Cricket Association faces challenges in achieving Test status amid limited domestic long-format cricket. The focus remains on short formats, risking ODI status and hindering player development for international competitiveness.
Key Points
- Chatur Bahadur Chand, CAN president, aimed for Nepal to achieve Test status during his tenure but faces challenges and limited time left in office.
- CAN's annual calendar prioritizes short-format cricket with no proper multi-day tournaments essential for Test cricket preparation.
- Former players and coaches stress the importance of developing a strong domestic long-format ('red-ball') culture to build skills for Test matches.
- Nepal's reliance on T20 leagues and lack of sufficient domestic competitions limits emerging players' exposure and may widen the performance gap between senior and new players.
