The Nepal national cricket team represents the country of Nepal in international cricket. The Royal family of Nepal introduced cricket to the country in the 1920s, and during the ensuing decades, the game gained popularity.In 1961, the Nepal Cricket Control Board was formed, and the first recorded match involving a Nepali team took place in 1962 against a team of Indian servicemen.
Nepal participated in sporadic matches against other teams in the area throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the team started to earn more notoriety. Nepal entered the ACC Trophy for the first time in 1996 and placed seventh. The following year's competition saw an improvement from them, and they placed second behind the United Arab Emirates.
In 2001, Nepal was granted associate membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which allowed them to compete in official ICC events. The team's first major tournament was the 2002 ACC Trophy, where they finished third. They go on to win the competition in 2006 and 2011 as well.
Nepal created history in 2013 when they became the first country to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20. Throughout the competition, they prevailed in three of their games, including a remarkable win over Afghanistan. This success was followed by another notable achievement in 2014, when Nepal qualified for the 2015 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The Nepal cricket team has achieved several significant milestones in its history.
The success of the Nepal national cricket team over the years has been significantly attributed to a number of prominent players. These players, along with numerous more, have contributed significantly to the Nepal cricket team's success over the years. Their contributions have boosted interest in cricket in Nepal and motivated a new generation of players there.
Led Nepal to its first ever ODI series win against the UAE in 2019
Scored Nepal's first ever ODI century in 2019 against the UAE
Has scored over 4,000 runs and taken more than 100 wickets in international cricket
Scored Nepal's first ever T20I fifty in 2014 against Hong Kong
Played a crucial role in Nepal's victory over Afghanistan in the 2014 ICC World T20 Qualifier
Scored over 2,500 runs and taken more than 50 wickets in international cricket
Scored Nepal's first ever T20I century in 2019 against Kuwait
Led Nepal to the gold medal in the 2019 South Asian Games
Has scored over 2,500 runs in international cricket
Youngest player to take a hat-trick in the history of the Indian Premier League
Took 10 wickets in the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier, helping Nepal secure ODI status
Has taken over 50 wickets in international cricket
Nepal's leading wicket-taker in international cricket
Played a key role in Nepal's victory over the Netherlands in the 2015 ICC World T20 Qualifier
Took 5 wickets in a T20I against Afghanistan in 2016
These managers have contributed significantly to the development and success of the Nepal cricket team throughout the years by offering the players strategic direction and assistance as well as by fostering the sport's expansion in the nation.
Keshav Kumar Paudel - 1993 to 1997
Raju Basnyat - 1998 to 2001
Binaya Raj Pandey - 2002 to 2005
Badri Prasad Shrestha - 2005 to 2006
Raju Khadka - 2007 to 2008
Umesh Patwal - 2008 to 2011
Jagat Tamatta - 2011 to 2012
Pubudu Dassanayake - 2012 to 2015
Ramesh Prasad Bhusal - 2015 to 2016
Saroj Poudel - 2017 to 2019
Umesh Patwal - 2019 to present
The team has advanced significantly in recent years, winning its first ODI match and earning spots in prestigious competitions like the World Cup and World Twenty20.
The growth of grassroots cricket in Nepal will be one of the most important determinants of the team's future success. The cricket fan base in the nation is sizable and ardent, and there is rising interest in the game among amateur athletes. The Nepal squad may experience prolonged success if this interest can be capitalized on and developed.
Another important factor will be the continued investment in infrastructure and facilities.In recent years, the Nepal Cricket Board has made considerable investments, which include building new stadiums and practice facilities. If this investment is kept up, it will assist the game draw in fresh talent and make sure that the present players have everything they need to be successful.
Cricket has come a long way in Nepal over the past few decades. From humble beginnings, the sport has grown in popularity and achieved significant success on the international stage. The national team has made great strides in recent years, achieving ODI status and qualifying for major tournaments.
The success of cricket in Nepal is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaches, administrators, and fans who have supported the sport. It is also a reflection of the country's rich cricketing heritage and the passion of its people for the game.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Nepal, and the national team has achieved significant success on the international stage.
Some of the key players in the Nepal cricket team include Paras Khadka, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Dipendra Singh Airee.
The Nepal cricket team has achieved ODI status, qualified for major international tournaments, and won multiple regional tournaments.
Cricket has grown in popularity in Nepal over the past few decades, with the sport being introduced by expatriates and missionaries in the country.
Nepali cricketers face challenges such as limited funding, lack of adequate infrastructure, and limited opportunities to play competitive cricket outside of the country.