Cricket in Nepal has gained popularity over the years and has become the country's one of the most popular and widely followed sport. It rapidly grew popularity in the mid 2010s, following the slight successes of the Nepalese cricket team as well as the country's explosive rise in social media and television viewing influence from neighboring country India. It is played by many people throughout the country, especially in the Terai region. The biggest cricketing achievement of the national cricket team was when the team reached the qualification tournament of 2014 ICC World T20 held in Bangladesh. Nepal's playing season runs from September to November and starts again in March before finishing in May. As of October 2023, there were 3400 senior cricket clubs and over 35000 registered players in Nepal.

History

Beginnings

In 1920s Cricket was introduced to Nepal for the first time by Lt.-Gen.Madan Shumsher JBR youngest son of Rana Prime Minister Maharaja Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana. But at the time, cricket was considered a "gentleman's game" so was limited to the ruling Rana family members and some elites of Nepal. Though the game was kept within themselves and other members of the elite, the Cricket Association of Nepal was formed in 1946 to promote cricket amongst the aristocracy. After the introduction of democracy through the Revolution of 1951, cricket began to spread to the rest of the population. In 1961, in an effort to promote cricket to the whole of Nepal, the Cricket Association of Nepal became part of the National Sports Council. Nevertheless, the National games tended to be limited to Kathmandu until the 1980s.

ICC and ACC Membership

Improvements to the communication and transport infrastructure in Nepal allowed the game to expand outside Kathmandu in the 1980s, and Nepal became an Affiliate Member of the ICC in 1988. A major development programme began in the early 1990s, with regional and district tournaments established and cricket being promoted in the schools. Nepal became an Associate Member of the ACC in 1990 and became a full member in 1994. Interest in cricket increased quickly in the 1990s, and demand to play was such that the number of teams in tournaments had to be restricted until more facilities could be built.

1996-Present

Nepal became an Associate Member of the ICC in 1996, which was the year the national side played for the first time, in the ACC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur. Nepal finished fourth out of six teams in their first round group in this competition, beating Brunei and Japan. The achievement of this era was the historic win against Bangladesh in the 1999 ACC Trophy. Nepal secured a 2002 Asia cup place but due to India Pakistan tension Asia cup didn't happen. During the 2004-2008 era Nepal U19 is at the peak. They beat New Zealand in the U19 World Cup. One of the significant turning points came in 2008 when they secured the ICC World Cricket League Division Five title. Nepal played their first T20I World Cup in Bangladesh 2014 where they defeated Hong Kong and Afghanistan. Since then, Nepali cricket's fan following has been increasing day by day. At 2016 U19 World Cup Nepal performed outstanding and reached quarter final. In 2018 Nepal secured a ODI status for the next 5 years after the win against PNG in ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier at Zimbabwe.

Administration

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is the official governing body of cricket in Nepal. Its headquarters is situated in Mulpani, Kathmandu. It is Nepal's representative at the International Cricket Council and remains an associate member since 1996 AD (2053 BS). It is also a member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The board was dissolved by the government of Nepal in November 2014 on the grounds of incompetence and a three-member ad hoc committee was established with a new president designated by the government itself. In April 2016, CAN was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC), on the grounds of government interference in its operations. However the suspension did not prevent Nepal's national teams from participating in ICC tournaments. The ICC welcomed the elections of the board held in September 2019 and formally reinstated the board on a conditional basis on 14 October. On 13 October 2019, the ICC lifted its suspension on the Cricket Association of Nepal.

National team

The Nepal national cricket team is governed by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and is a member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Since 1996 AD (2053 BS), the CAN has been affiliated with ICC, the international governing body for world cricket as a associate member. In 1990 AD (2047 BS), the CAN became one of the members of the ACC. There are other Nepali national teams, such as the Nepal A team and under-19 team.

Performance

The following list includes the performance of all of India's national teams at major competitions.

Men's senior team

Women's senior team

Men's A team

Men's U-19 team

Wonen's U-19 team

Affiliated Province Cricket Associations

There are currently 7 provincial cricket associations and 45 district cricket associations affiliated with CAN.

Organisation of cricket in modern Nepal

International cricket

Men's National Team

The Nepal National Cricket Team represents Nepal in international cricket matches. Nepal have been participating in international cricket since 1996 when they competed in the 1996 ACC Trophy. They have competed in numerous tournaments over the years including the ICC Trophy (later the ICC World Cup Qualifier), the ICC Intercontinental Cup. The team gained T20 International status for the first time in 2013 after qualifying for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 which was their first and only appearance at a major ICC event. The team also gained One Day International status in 2018 after finishing 8th in the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Women's National Team

The [Nepal national women's cricket team](https://bliptext.com/articles/nepal-women-s-national-[cricket](https://bliptext.com/articles/cricket)-team) represents Nepal in international women's cricket matches. They made their international debut in the ACC Women's Tournament in Malaysia in July 2007. The women's team has competed in two Women's Asia Cup and regularly competes in Asian Cricket Council events. The women's team hold T20I status since 1 July 2018 after a decision by the International Cricket Council to give T20I status to all member nations.

Domestic Cricket

Men's Domestic Cricket

First Class competition

Limited overs competitions

Twenty20 competitions

Youth competitions

Women's Domestic Cricket

Twenty20 competitions

Youth competitions

Stadiums

There are 65 grounds in Nepal with 17 turf wickets, but international matches can be played only at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur and Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The Pokhara International Cricket Stadium is the only other ground to host international cricket having hosted the women's tournament at the 2019 South Asian Games.

Active Stadiums

International competitions hosted

Performance By Nepal national team in International competitions

Men's team

ICC Cricket World Cup

ICC T20 World Cup

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier

ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier

Asia Cup

Asia Cup Qualifier

Asian Games

World Cricket League / Cricket World Cup League 2

South Asian Games

Women's team

Women's World Cup

Women's World T20

ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier

ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

Asia Cup

ACC Women's Tournament

ACC Women's Premier Cup

Asian Games

South Asian Games

Cricket Broadcast in Nepal

Domestic competitions

Domestic franchise cricket

List of current broadcasters:

Domestic Provincial cricket

List of current broadcasters:

Domestic Provincial franchise cricket

List of current broadcasters:

International competitions

International Cricket (Home)

List of current broadcasters:

International Cricket (Away)

List of current broadcasters:

International franchise cricket

List of current broadcasters: