The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), known for its support to Afghanistan cricket, is now poised to extend assistance to Nepal's budding cricketers.
The move aims to enhance cricketing infrastructure and provide exposure to talented players in the South Asian region.
In a recent meeting on the sidelines of a Women’s Premier League (WPL) meeting in New Delhi, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) president Chatur Bahadur discussed the prospects of collaboration with BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
The meeting was prompted by Bahadur's request for support in offering quality game time and access to cricket infrastructure for Nepal's cricketing talents.
A source from CAN revealed, "Mr. Shah has been very supportive of the promotion of cricket in Nepal. He has asked for a formal proposal outlining the kind of help they expect from BCCI."
The discussions revolved around three key areas where Nepal cricket requires assistance. First and foremost, the senior national team is seeking an uninterrupted training camp ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled for June in the United States.
Logistically, Delhi-NCR during the early summer months is considered an ideal training base, with direct flights available between Kathmandu and Delhi.
While the IPL season may limit access to Ferozeshah Kotla, alternative grounds in and around Delhi are available for team training, according to the CAN source.
The second aspect involves access to the upgraded facilities of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This facility will serve as a resource for injury management and rehabilitation for Nepal's upcoming cricketers.
The third request focuses on providing match exposure for Nepal's U-19 and A team cricketers. The CAN aims to arrange practice games against U-19 and senior state teams, offering valuable opportunities for growth and development.
The CAN source emphasised that these discussions are in the early stages, but there is optimism following positive signals from BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Shah's previous assistance in organising the ACC Men's Premier Cup in Kathmandu in April-May 2023 has also contributed to the positive outlook.
The BCCI's track record of supporting Afghanistan cricket by hosting national and U-19 teams in Greater Noida has set a precedent for fostering cricketing ties in the South Asian region.
The proposed assistance to Nepal cricket aligns with the BCCI's commitment to maintaining a robust cricketing ecosystem in the South Asian region.
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