As part of its preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers, the Nepal’s men’s cricket team will undergo training at the BCCI`s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 20 to September 4. The initiative, backed by the Indian government, is to `connect the youth of the two countries`.
The training stint comes in preparation for the crucial ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for October. The main tournament will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year.
This is not the first instance of cricket-based cooperation between the two neighbours. Nepal’s men`s team also trained at the same BCCI facility in August last year, as part of India’s continuing efforts to support the development of cricketing infrastructure and talent.
“Cricket cooperation has added a new dimension to the deep rooted and age-old historical ties between India and Nepal, connecting the youth of the two countries through a shared passion for cricket,” an Indian government official stated.
📍 Qualifiers Camp 📣
⚙️The grind begins as #Rhinos prepare to hit full throttle toward the T20 World Cup Qualifiers. 🏆#NepalCricket pic.twitter.com/Mj1kZjqbbP
— CAN (@CricketNep) July 13, 2025
In addition to training camps, Nepal has actively participated in various tournaments facilitated by Indian support. Last year, ahead of the T20 Cricket Cup in June, Nepal took part in a triangular practice tournament against domestic sides from the Baroda and Gujarat Cricket Associations.
Highlighting India`s commitment, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar had met the Nepalese men`s cricket team and representatives of CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal) in January 2024 and “conveyed India`s support for growth of cricket in Nepal.”
The Indian government also supported the practice tournament between Under-19 teams of Nepal and Delhi & District Cricket Association team in Nepal in March this year.
Nepal`s women`s team also participated in a preparation camp in Delhi in April-May to prepare for Asia World Cup Qualifiers in Thailand, also in May. Nepal reached the finals of the Qualifiers.
In July this year, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu supported three promising Under-19 cricketers from Nepal for a month-long professional training program in Bhopal.
Nepal squad at a glance: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Rohit Paudel, Anil Sah, Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Airee, Kushal Malla, Rupesh Singh, Bibek Yadav, Rijan Dhakal, Pratis GC, Nandan Yadav, Yuvraj Khatri, Sahab Alam, Sundeep Jora, Sagar Dhakal, Akash Chand, Shub Kansakar
