Nepal cricket on the up

An interesting article at the BBC today profiling Nepali cricket. Paresh Soni interviews Aamir Akhtar, who has attracted interest from Surrey and he hopes to play for their 2nd XI side.

"Junior cricket in Nepal is booming but because of the lack of infrastructure, players in their late 20s - who are mostly uneducated and unemployed - leave the game because they can't find sponsorship," the left-arm paceman and middle-order batsman explained.

"We only have one stadium dedicated to cricket with a proper turf pitch, in Kathmandu. Everywhere else you have to play on matting and in stadia shared with other sports.

"Junior cricket in Nepal is booming but because of the lack of infrastructure, players in their late 20s - who are mostly uneducated and unemployed - leave the game because they can't find sponsorship," the left-arm paceman and middle-order batsman explained.

"We only have one stadium dedicated to cricket with a proper turf pitch, in Kathmandu. Everywhere else you have to play on matting and in stadia shared with other sports.

"Our players are not exposed to other types of conditions - they only go abroad when they have to play in a tournament."

You would think the country's geography would make it virtually impossible to play the sport to any degree of competence - but such is the interest, many Nepalese make light of this.

Akhtar believes an opportunity exists to tap into this potential but knows economic realities will hinder that.

"I have seen boys playing near base camps in the Himalayas. Traditionally it was played in the region near the border with India, which is where I am from, but it is spreading all over the country.

One day we will get one-day international status - but don't expect anything instant

Aamir Akhtar

"We have a National Academy due to be completed within two years and when we hosted the Asian Cricket Council U-19 Championship in Kathmandu in February, 25-30,000 people were turning up to watch matches against Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE.

"Just imagine what would happen if we were playing India or Pakistan? We should also be looking to host triangular series between the India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka A teams and then eventually have senior teams over for one-day internationals.

"We need to commercialise cricket more. If we can't bring investors in we should get our companies to employ players to give them job security so they dedicate themselves to playing for their country."

If strides can be made, Akhtar believes Nepal's playing conditions - "a mixture of the subcontinent and England" - are the ideal breeding ground for county and international standard players.

"With the mountains and altitude, the ball swings and seams even in the summer. If Nepalese players came here they would do well," he added.

"At the moment that looks unlikely for the next 10-15 years. We are not at that level yet but I have no doubt the potential is there for them to play here eventually.

"They are among the best natural athletes in South Asia and one day we will get one-day international status - but don't expect anything instant."