At the ICC Annual Conference, Paras said: Nepal has made a major leap in structural reforms to become a Test-playing nation

Kathmandu – Paras Khadka, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and former captain of the Nepal national team, represented Nepal at the ICC’s Annual Board Meeting, where he outlined the country’s ambitious journey toward becoming a Test-playing nation.

Speaking at the ICC gathering in Singapore, Khadka highlighted Nepal’s progress and future vision, emphasizing the structural reforms that have propelled the nation’s cricket forward on both national and international stages.

He pointed to recent domestic milestones—such as the launch of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 franchise tournament—and developments in women’s cricket. These, along with prioritized infrastructural improvements, have brought Nepal significantly closer to Test status, Khadka asserted

Reflecting on Nepal’s cricketing history, he fondly recalled the rise from Division Five to ODI status over two decades, emphasizing the magnitude of that journey and the progress made since then

“We’ve reached a point that feels almost unbelievable. Our journey doesn’t end here—we are making strategic moves to become full ICC members,” Khadka declared.

He described the NPL’s success as transformative, noting that the league attracted international star players like Shikhar Dhawan and James Neesham, while cricketing legend Brian Lara personally watched matches. Coverage extended beyond Nepal to international audiences, and Neesham notably secured his first franchise title in Nepal.

Khadka also shared how the NPL’s trophy design carried deeper symbolic meaning—featuring a stone from Mount Everest—to send a message about climate change and Nepal’s central role in that global issue.

He highlighted Nepal’s recent performances on the international stage: participation in two World Cups, competing in the Asia Cup, and notably narrow defeat to South Africa by just one run in 2024, witnessed by about 8,000 Nepali fans in Dallas—demonstrating the team’s dedication and fan support.

On women’s cricket, Khadka stressed its importance in Nepal’s bid to become a full ICC member: “We have prioritized development in women’s cricket. We’ve reached the Global Qualifier for the first time, and now there’s no turning back”

He also praised the government for doubling the sports budget, initiating the construction of Nepal’s first international stadium with floodlights, and rolling out a domestic red-ball (multi-day) competition—all critical steps toward building a Test-ready infrastructure

Khadka affirmed that while franchise cricket has brought much-needed funding, Nepal will maintain focus on its roadmap toward Test cricket. With fans, government backing, and ICC support, he confidently concluded: “We are playing our first series against West Indies, and Nepal will soon become a Test nation. This is not just a dream for Nepalis—it’s a commitment.”