Nepal’s aim to get the first international men’s cricket title under a Nepali coach failed, just by a whisker. And again the nemesis was Afghanistan. Having worked under the shadows of former Sri Lankan International cricketer Roy Dias, Jagat Tamata’s wishes to do that will have to wait for some time now.
Following the loss, most media reported on the lines that Nepal´s dream of lifting the title of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup cricket was shattered as they were handed a 61-run defeat by arch rivals Afghanistan.
Yes, we were defeated when the cup looked like almost in our hand. Yes, we dreamt of the fifth title, which did not happen. Yes, we wanted to show our dominance at the youth level in Asian non-Test playing circuit. Yes, once again our team was defeated by Afghanistan in the final. Yes, the victory margin was too much to accept.
But shattered? We were not.
There are definitely more positives than failures in the campaign that the Nepali Colts started this time. This was first major tournament after long stint under Coach Roy Dias. The faith needed to be restored in the Nepali players, a shift in the attitude needed to be shown. We needed the team to do well and show us some signs that could be institutionalized for better cricket in future.
For starters, it was the most successful run under a Nepali coach. There were signs that things could be turning around. If it was a sign of things to come, which looks a definite possibility, Tamata and his U-19 team deserve a pat on the back.
We’ve seen some good cricket played by the young side, during the campaign where the boys were defeated only once. It’s unfortunate that the loss came at the last hurdle, perhaps showing how fearful we are of Afghanistan, when it comes at delivering the knockout punch.
But, the whole campaign stood out for three reasons.
For once, we saw good batting performance by the youngsters. For ages, our teams have been criticized for not being consistent with batting. And this time around, we could see a shift. Faizrul Rahman Khan looks a fine prospect for future, given the century he scored. One may always say that the opposition was Oman, which does not have very strong bowling line-up. But he did not choose his opposition. And he still had to score runs, to get to the century.
One cannot take away anything from a score of 100 plus. And one should always remember, he’s the first person to have scored a ton at internationals in under-19 level, for last 8 years. Last time, Kanishka Chaugain scored a century at this level in 2003. Now that also tells us how rare it has become among our young batsmen to spend time at crease. Criticise him if you may for not scoring in the final, but Faizrul looks destined to be the man we may need in future, if we want run compilers and those who forge partnerships.
His partner in crime, in the match against Oman, Pradeep Airee is another player cricket establishment should protect. How many Nepali players have we seen scoring a 50 and taking five wickets in a match? That too, in the final, when everyone around him was faltering. His hitting prowess a la Yusuf Pathan and Keiron Pollard should keep him in the reckoning for senior side (remember his 40-ball 86, with six fours and five sixes). The best part is, he keeps his nerves when others are not. How else can one be termed the most valuable player of the tournament?
Rahul Viswakarma showed why there is so much of faith in him. Whether it was breaking records with a 8-wicket haul, or becoming the best bowler of the tournament, he showed that he has the fight in him to get to the top. And if the bowlers of the senior national team are not worried about their position in the team, they better start doing that. For the boy has craft, and if he continues, cunningness and guile can be achieved.
Hopefully, the Nepali Colts can continue with the form and attitude they’ve shown this time. And they would do well to remember: A pat on the back is only inches away from kick on the backside.
(Somesh Verma write sports column in The Kathmandu Post.)
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Yo sabai maan bujhauni bato hoo editor sab………….cup jitda ko maja kasto huncha bhannni tapai lai pani tha hola………..so we are disappointed by this performance in final. But, we still have enough time to correct ourselves. Jagat tamada only can’t handle whole national team of every level. His responsibility should be divided and given a single department. I think batting department suits him. And plz plz CAN bring one good coach with good international relation with various test playing nation, who can arrange game with the quality team of their neighborers.
And finally guys can anyone share me about construction progress of Mulpani Cricket ground??? Ok guys god bless u and hope we supporters can expect much more better performance from you.
i cent percent support the view of nepali kto. he has really presented the situation of nepali cricket.we need good coach.
Definately,we are seeing some budding talents cominp up from this tournaments,i hope they continue in the same way,but i have doubts coz of the Nepali cricket structure,coz in U 19 level we have such talented guys,who diminish here and there after they go in the seniour level,and we know the reasons like lack of regular cricket and tournaments.And also we are very limited to domestic games,unless n until we play with better teams and better players ..we will never learn anything.
Definitely !!
the main thing is we are selected for U-19 WC Qualifiers and we have a very good chance to play in the upcoming edition of world cup.
we saw many talents in our side during this tournament and they should be protected carefully to achieve better results in future.our batting is improving and other aspects in the game have been consistently good so it’s time to become calm and go ahead with long vision.
we are a good side in world cricket with many possibilities and if we can nurture all those positives then a dream day is not too far !!!!
well said to some extent…..Pradeep is a very very genuine cricketer. his 52* against Pakistan in the South Asian Games, 37* against Argentina in WCL div. 4, 86 and 59 against Oman and Afghanistan in U19 Elite Cup are his best knocks. Moreover we all know that he has been bowling really well when the team needed him. He bowls well when his team wants, he smacks the ball when his team wants and he bats responsibly when his team wants. What a man he is. Regarding Faizul, I am very disappointed despite his two very good knocks of 46* and 101. There is no doubt on his talent but looked like he could not hold on his temperament once he got the ton. Frankly saying he scored nothing after the ton. 2 innings very good…..4innings very bad, is his record in elite cup. so the coach should definitely work hard to capitalize his talent. Naresh and Pithu are always good. Despite Naresh’s failure in the final, we all know that he can play well under pressure. Sagar also looks very good. Bowling is always good of our country. but Bibek Dali should be thought well before his inclusion in the playing 11.
So the issue I want to talk here is the lack of confidence of our players. They come under huge pressure if the opening or 2nd wicket partnership is not good and the collapse is obvious. so it is a must to teach our players to stay on the crease under pressure. the coach should pay special attention on that. and i think a 4 day national tournament could be a very good idea take make them able to stay in the crease.
When I saw the interview of the Afghan coach and team manager after they final, the team manager said “we don’t want to play against Nepal, Qatar, Bhutan”. he was underestimating us and comparing to Bhutan. My heart was broken by the video. I felt a real shame on our cricketers.
Well, but still there are definitely some positive signs but have to capitalize that. We have some very good cricketers like Paras, Gyanendra, Prithu, Pradeep, Amrit, Basanta and so on. I think these players would make a successful national team. and the U19 team will give a dashing defeat to the Afghan team and others to play the World Cup. Best of luck to Team NEPAL
Jai Nepal
well presented article. we nepalese have to understand one thing that, yes winning the trophy would have been the icing on the cake but non the less our player did play very well and are looking a great prospect for the future and they at least deserve a good reception and support from the cricket fans in nepal, not just dissatisfactions on their side of play. we want to establish ourselves as one of the force in the world cricket and we know winning acc U/19 elite cup isn’t our primary goal. we want ICC u/19 world cup. and we know that we are no where near the standards we will require to achieve our dreams. but non the less we are heading the right way. its going to take sometime before we succeed. we need to keep supporting the players and the coaching staffs, disregarding the results on the short term. it won’t always come true as it does in fairy tales. its need time, support and dedication towards the sports.
show no rivalry toward afghans. they are just doing the right things at the moment and we know we are not far behind them. remember, we can do it with true sportsmanship.
well dont lose hope….WC qualifiers is coming and I dont know how the structure is going to be but there is always vengeance. if not in qualifiers we can take the revenge in WC against the one we lost 2 final (one in junior and one in senior level).
So, guys…dont lose hope u have defeated them once in group stage, the same performance could not be repeated in the final but have faith in yourself…time for nepali cricket to rise with u golden stars will come soon. our country will rise in cricketing realm. we will defeat many champions. we will become champion. we just need a good cricketing administration in our country..that is it…a good administration can establish a very good foundation for cricket and as we all know eifil tower was built onto a very good foundation.
so guys dont lose hope and believe in yourself…believe that u guys are much more talented than those who hav defeated you.all you need is a good solicitation.and a very good motivation which i hope CAN will help you achieve in near future.
all the very best for WC Qualifiers. best of luck and win WC….bijayabhawa…
This the best stable team so far:
1. They played 50 overs all the way.
2. Batsmen scored good from number 1 to 11 time to time.
3. They were the finalist.
4. They lost to the team in finals which they have beaten earlier.
5. Very consistent performance.
The article given above is a great one. Yeah it would have been good if we won the trophy but we must say that it is the good move. Now it is the great responsbility for CAN. Either they want to keep these players with the country or send them out of the country like those of Kanishk Chaugain and Bardan Chalise.Lets see CAN’s effort now what it will gonna do tomorrow. I am today proud of my players. They showed their talent now.
Friends, we are qualified for WC qualification. Being qualified is not a great move, we should continue our performance. The top 6 will get entry to WC. We should target the cup not the top 6 for qualification as we did this time. This will be the positive move. These young players are the gist for tomorrow’s success. Lets keep our eye on this so called CAN. Either it will eat and digest all the donations from ACC and ICC or it will organise some quality games to enhance the power of players. Lets see if it will organise the selection of players 15 days before the tournament and practice it 2 days only or it will starti t from today.I think CAN knows the tournament is on July-August. It also must know that those days are rainy season in Nepal and players will not get enough practice due to rain. I hope this time CAN arrange to practice the players much rather than make them practice only one week before the tournament.
Guys, lets pressurise CAN today. Lets it not be happen that our heart again cry in July-August. I hope I will not have to listen any bad news about Nepal cricket in days to come.
Thank you.
game is played to win bt sometimes fortune, situation dont allow, though these things are undermined in game. Nepali criket team a giant team for the non test played countries. Victory ought to be sure bt became reverse. Hope the wicknessess are corected.
Nepal winning all the games really posed itself a strong contender for the coveted trophy but unfortunately; it was not to be. With the batting department which has been a sore point also coming good this time around and Nepal bowlers annihilating the opposition batsmen with their incisive and penetrative bowling spells, it was taken for a granted that Nepal would win the Trophy. And having defeated the strong Afghanistan side in its preliminary round, it was considered as a foregone conclusion that Nepal’s victory for the 5th time was on the cards. However, just at a time when this prediction had germinated before the finals, the news of captain’s unavailability for the Finals dealt a blow from which Nepal could not emerged. In the finals, Afghanistan looked a resurgent side and took Nepal by surprise with its resilience and killer instinct attitude in the finals. Forgetting its earlier defeat in the preliminary round, it spoiled Nepal’s honeymoon in the ACC U-19 ACC ELITE CUP and won the game fair and square.
As for the outcome of this tournament, we have got some good players and they would serve Nepali cricket for a long time to come; if they are encouraged and groomed properly. Further, let us not forget that it was for the first time after exit of Sri Lankan coach Roy Luke Dias that Nepal was playing in an international cricket tournament. Honestly speaking, by any stretch of imagination, Nepal’s reaching Finals has to be taken on a satisfying note. As I said before, the absence of inspirational Captain Prithu Banskota was felt badly and had he been available, the result might have been a different story to tell altogether. One more thing, the Nepali coach, Jagag Tamata has to be praised for his excellent efforts and ensuring Nepal’s passage up to the finals and making sure Nepal qualified for ICC U-19 YOUTH WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS….. The last time, Nepal was deprived its participation in ICC U-19 YOUTH WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS by the same nemesis Afghanistan.
Though it is very early to start discussing on the COACHING FACTOR, we need to give some time to our own Nepali coach Jagat Tamata to show his mettle. As far as I I am concerned and having watched Nepali cricket from a close quarter and as a Freelance Cricket Commentator (Currently in a dormant state), I would say Jagat Tamata has done a pretty good job and he needs a couple of similar other assignments to prove his worth.
Hey Folks ! The 10th Edition ICC WORLD CUP is beginning from February 19th, 2011 in India/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka. Assessing the current strengths and weaknesses of the participating teams, provided there are no bizarre results, the test playing nations from the GROUP A = Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and from Group B = India, South Africa, England and West Indies should easily make it to the knock-out stage QUARTER-FINALS. However from this stage onward, it would be interesting to see which teams to make it to the SEMI-FINALS and GRAND FINALE. My prediction is that amongst India/South Africa/England/Australia should win the tournament; but I strongly believe either India or South Africa should win it this time. This is because these 2 teams have the most balanced side with strong batting line-ups and their batsmen have shown tremendous form in recent times. Lastly, One-Day Cricket with its characteristic unexpected turn of events may prove spring a surprise or two for even best of the experts; who make predictions………..
Have a wonderful and exhilarating viewing of 10th Edition of ICC WORLD CUP 2011.
You said “The last time, Nepal was deprived its participation in ICC U-19 YOUTH WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS by the same nemesis Afghanistan”
Revise your statement.
The World Cup the greatest spectacle in cricket is starting in 2 days. It is the dream of every cricketer across the globe to play in this tournament. I hope Cricket Nepal would be covering this tournament. Although Nepal is not a part of it (Hope it will be in 2015), every event in this will have a lasting impact on world of cricket. The format of world cup is still a matter of debate and no of teams, how to qualify etc will be covered. So I feel people of Cricket Nepal should be covering cricket and bringing it to people of Nepal in an Nepali perspective.
@Atit:- Dont worry Atit. Though both Nepal and Afghanistan will qualify for U-19 CWC, but Nepal will thrash them 2 times, once in qualifiers then second time in U-19 CWC
@jashan bro. Thnx bro for suportng our team even wen we l0se matches. And ya, we will beat afg in evry clash fr0m n0w. And they w0nt c0mpare Nepal with bhutan and wil start c0mparin wid pakistan and srilanka.. Huhahahehehu(ugly laugh)
Dear Anup Pokhrel,
Thanks for your comments.
Please advise why do you wish to change my statement, ” You said “The last time, Nepal was deprived its participation in ICC U-19 YOUTH WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS by the same nemesis Afghanistan”
I stick to my statement because last time in the year 2009 in ACC U-19 ELITE CUP, Afghanistan had defeated Nepal in the semi-finals whereby depriving its passage into the finals which would have enabled Nepal’s participation in ICC U-19 YOUTH WORLD CUP. However, if something is really missing from my side then please put it here as I would rectify myself if there is any discrepancy.
Any way, the 10th Edition of ICC WORLD CUP will start in two day’s time, Nepali cricket folks would be pondering over how the participating teams qualify in this WORLD CUP and where does Nepal stand with its chances of participation in WORLD CUP 2015 scheduled in AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND.
Last year, I had sent an elaborated write-up to an esteemed daily newspaper on ICC WORLD CUP LEAGUE – Structure for 2009 – 2013 right after Nepal’s participation in Pepsi ICC WORLD CUP LEAGUE DIVISION 4 2010 in ITALY where Nepal lost to a relatively weaker time TANZANIA in its preliminary round whereby failing to make it to the Finals; which would have propelled Nepal to DIVISION 3. With non-qualification to DIVISION 3, Nepali cricket aficionados were disappointed and thought that it was an end to Nepal’s passage to a long-cherished dream of participating in a major ICC WORLD CUP !!! So to enlighten our cricket loving folks that the chances are very much on, I forwarded my write-up. But to my disappointment, the publication did not think it an acceptable to provide space in it. I regret to say though the publication has enough spaces to cover irritating and farcical Nepali politics and other topics not related with our nation’s issues on a regular basis; it disregarded my write-up and threw it in a dust-bin! Any way, since I reckon it is right to have correct information on concerned matters and some of my friends even advised me to put it on this website, I am glad to say Nepal’s chances of participation for the upcoming ELEVENTH EDITION OF ICC WORLD CUP 2015 are not yet over. So for the benefit of cricket folks, I am posting this write-up which would give you a fair knowledge of how the Test-playing and Non-test playing nations are qualified for quadrennial ICC WORLD CUP….
Basically, ICC WORLD CUP LEAGUE STRUCTURE is a gateway for non-test playing nations: – ASSOCIATE (35 Members) and AFFILIATE (60 Members) to qualify for ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER and subsequent qualification for ICC WORLD CUP. Currently, there are 105 countries registered at ICC (International Cricket Conference), the authorized governing body of world cricket. Its headquarters is stationed in Dubai, UAE. These 105 countries are segregated into 3 groups: (A) 10 MEMBERS – Test Playing nations – England, India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe (B) 35 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS – The members are those countries where the cricket is fully established, but they have not yet acquired Test Status (Nepal is an ASSOCIATE MEMBER). Further, these members are put into 5 Cricket Development Regions of the continents as designated by International Cricket Conference. The world’s 5 Cricket Development Regions are – Asian Cricket Council, African Cricket Council, Americas Cricket Association, East Asia Pacific Cricket Council & European Cricket Council, (C) 60 AFFILIATE MEMBERS – The place where cricket is played according to the laws of cricket.
Now, according to Pepsi ICC WORLD CUP LEAGUE STRUCTURE for 2009 – 2013, the above 95 ASSOCIATE and AFFILIATE members by playing various stages of the qualifying tournaments conducted by ICC make progression; which starts from DIVISION 8 and by reaching the finals, the 2 teams progress further to subsequent Divisions 7, 6, 5, 4. Except in Division 8 where there are 8 teams; the rest of Divisions comprise 6 teams. The 2 teams reaching FINALS in the related DIVISIONAL Tournaments progress to further subsequent Divisions 7, 6, 5, 4 whereas the 2 teams finishing 3rd and 4th position remain in the same DIVISION and the 2 teams finishing 5th and 6th position fall into relegation. In case of DIVISION 8, the 2 finalists are promoted to DIVISION 7, the 3rd position holder remains in the same DIVISION 8th whereas the 4th, 5th, 6th,7th, 8th position holders return to Regional rankings/set-ups wherein they have to prove themselves in various regional cricket tournaments and come back for contention to participate in WORLD CUP LEAGUE STRUCTURE. There is a slight change of format from DIVISION 3 onwards, the 2 finalists of DIVISION 4 progress to DIVISION 3, but the other 4 teams are qualified from the DIVISION 3 of earlier year wherein the 2 teams stood 3rd and 4th position whereas 2 other teams are chosen from the earlier WORLD CUP QUALIFIER wherein the 2 teams stood 11th and 12th positions. And again in DIVISION 2, the 2 finalists of DIVISION 3 qualify for DIVISION 2 and the 4 other teams are from the earlier WORLD CUP QUALIFIER wherein the teams had stood 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th positions. From here on, the top 4 qualify for ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER and the 5th and 6th position holders are relegated to DIVISION 3. Eventually, to make up the 12 teams for ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER , the teams which stood 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th in the earlier conducted ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER and the teams standing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th in DIVISION 2 League and the 2 teams standing 1st & 2nd in the upcoming Division 3 League. The ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER is held 2 years before the ICC WORLD CUP. Although the top 6 teams gain Temporary One-Day Status until next WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, only the 4 top teams qualify for the ICC WORLD CUP. Besides, these 6 teams form DIVISION I and they automatically become eligible for upcoming ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER.
Just for your information, the 4 non-test playing countries IRELAND, CANADA, NETHERLANDS and KENYA playing in the upcoming 10th Edition of ICC WORLD CUP in INDIA/BANGLADESH/SRI LANKA had stood 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th in the ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2009 held in Scotland whereas the other teams Afghanistan finished 5th, Scotland 6th, UAE 7th, Namibia 8th, Bermuda 9th, Uganda 10th, Oman 11th and Denmark 12th. Now, these teams Ireland (1st), Canada (2nd), Netherlands (3rd), Kenya (4th), Afghanistan (5th) and Scotland (6th) will automatically qualify for ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2013 whereas UAE (7th), Namibia (8th), Bermuda (9th) and Uganda (10th) are relegated to ICC WCL Division-II 2011 and Oman (11th) and Denmark (12th) relegated to ICC WCL Division-III 2011 (Note: Oman and Denmark if stand 1st and 2nd positions will qualify for DIVISION II and they will compete with UAE, Namibia, Bermuda, and Uganda. The top 4 will qualify for ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2013).
Besides, the top 6 teams IRELAND, CANADA, NETHERLANDS, KENYA, AFGHANISTAN and SCOTLAND have gained TEMPORARY ONE-DAY STATUS which would be valid till WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2013.
So based on this format and one more important rule wherein ICC has applied is that the teams finishing 3rd and 4th position in DIVISION 4 2010 still get an opportunity to qualify themselves for the ensuing ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2013. Here I am pointing towards to ICC WORLD CUP 2013. If you recall, Nepal had finished 3rd position in WORLD CUP LEAGUE DIVISION 4 2010 held in Italy last year. Most think that Nepal’s chances are over, but it is very much on provided Nepal performs splendidly. Now, Nepal will compete in DIVISION 4 scheduled for 2012 and if it manages to finish finalists, it would qualify for DIVISION 3 2013. And again, if Nepal manages to finish finalists in DIVISION 3 2013, it would qualify for ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2013 along with 10 other teams to make it total 12 teams, scheduled in SCOTLAND. This is where Nepal will have to play high-level of cricket and making it to top 4 teams will propel its participation in ICC WORLD CUP 2015 in AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND.
Cricket Association of Nepal and personnel related with Nepali cricket should focus on how to ensure our players get maximum match practice with strong sides so that they get enough exposure playing under pressure situation and instill in them the killer instinct of winning games. As the DIVISION 4, 2012 is just a year away, it would be advisable if our players are taken to India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka/Bangladesh and fix matches with state-level cricket teams and play enough One-day, Twenty20 and 3-day matches. The longer version of 3 day matches is also important as the players will learn how to stay for a longer period at the wicket and score runs whereas the Twenty-20 format will spur them to devise innovative ways of hitting the balls and develop scoring at a brisk rate. Having said this, now it is up to CAN to ensure the type of cricket calendar required for our players to be in tune with the game and expect good performances in the upcoming international matches and very importantly in the DIVISION 4, 2012. We have to shed the bad habit of showing urgency only at the last moment and not doing enough before hand. Participation in a major sporting event like ICC WORLD CUP is not a joke. To realise our cherished dream, CRICKET ASSOCIATION OF NEPAL, NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL, YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTRY, PRIVATE SECTORS, MEDIA, INDIVIDUALS, CLUBS, ORGANISATIONS, ETC. should come forward and extend logistical supports in their capacities in consultation with CAN to our Nepali cricket team members, coach and think-tank.
I hope my clarion call with fall on the hears of concerned sectors who believe in democratic norms and listen to others as well when discussed on a subject-matter which is related to stakeholders and would display pragmatic approach on this front.
well i didnt understand much of the part of your article..but i did understand one thing that nepal will still have a chance of playing in icc world cup qualifiers to be held in scotland 2013.
so, i would also like to request specially CAN to provide enough exposure to our team. I dont know where the hell our team is right now, but CAN must think before hand and make such an arrangement starting now that our players get all the chances of exposing themselves in pressure-like situation.
the 1 month closed camp just before every tournament will not going to do good for our cricket. if our cricket is to be taken where our old nemesis afg is, then we should start to think from now.
CAN, please do something way before the main event.. dont wait until the event starts. our players has immense talents, u just need to unearth it, that would be it…rest our tiger player will do.
thank you for ur article Mr. Sanjeev and hope nepal will go to cup qualifiers in 2013.
I express deep support to this article written by sanjeev lama.
@sanjeev, the thng u wr0te in ur article is based on WCL structure f0r 2011 CWC and we all kn0w abt the structure. But, i thnk u havnt red abt 10 NATION WORLD CUP 2015. World cup fr0m 2015 onwards will hav only 10 teams, read abt it in ICC websites. So betr thnk abt 20-20 world cup(16 nati0ns) and forget abt 50 ovr world cup. Due to 14 countries WC 2011, it is taking 1 n a half m0nths. ICC wants money, not the development of cricket. WORLD CRICKET LEAGUE IS ONLY FOR WORLD RANKING OF NATIONS AFTER 2011 CWC
Dear Atit,
Thanks for updating me. Actually, I posted this write-up which I had sent to the publication last year as it was. Any way, I should have updated myself before posting it.
As a cricket aficionado of an emerging non-test playing country, I strongly object to ICC’s new decision of limiting it to just 10 teams. It is harsh and injustice dealt to the Associate and Affiliate countries. It is a clear policy of bypassing the non-test playing countries whereby depriving them the limelight, coverage, exposure and an opportunity to play with the giants. Instead of reducing the teams, they should have pondered over how to improve the quality of non-test playing countries so that they could become compatible. Even a layman can say, when there are 105 countries playing cricket and only 10 teams are allowed to participate in a major tournament like WORLD CUP, does it justify to bear the tag of WORLD CHAMPIONS having competed amongst only 10 teams???? By this yardstick, the WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT will not even have 1/4th representation of the ICC members? In a FIFA WORLD CUP, there are more than 200 countries and playing through different regional tournaments in the continents, 32 teams make it to the FINALS… The format is fair and square as it gives opportunity to all… Yes, in cricket, the associate and affiliate members are relatively weaker in comparison to Test Playing countries. So to mitigate this difference, ICC could chalk out new plans and programmes whereby non-test playing countries would also become compatible to compete at such major tournaments.
One more thing, ICC and ACC make plans based on their whims and fancies whereby depriving the emerging non-test playing countries like Nepal and others. I want to share a fact on this. If you remember, earlier in a men’s ACC tournament, there was a proviso the 2 finalists would qualify for ASIA CUP (comprising India/Pakistan/Bangladesh/Sri Lankan). I do not remember the exact year (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 ???), Nepal had reached the finals and it was supposed to participate in the ensuing ASIA CUP. But unfortunately, that ASIA CUP could not be conducted due to tension between Indo-Pak. So, ethically, Nepal should have got the opportunity to participate in the next Asia Cup and we all were under the same impression. Besides, the cancellation of ASIA CUP was due to Juggernaut team members’ cause and not of Nepal’s. Hence, why was Nepal punished for a cause which it had nothing to do with.
To add salt to injury, ACC stated that since the ASIA CUP could not be organised in the concerned year, the outcome of ACC’s tournament wherein Nepal had reached finals which would have enabled it to participate in the ASIA CUP, the related ACC’s qualifying tournament had also been rendered meaningless. So, the Asia’s non-test playing countries would have to re-participate in ACC qualifying Tournament and prove its worth to participate in ASIA CUP. For this issue, when Sunil Gavaskar had visited Kathmandu I saw then Captain Binod Das had apprised him of this injustice and he assured he would look into it. But as expected, nothing came about. Here what I am trying to emphasis is that decisions taken by ICC and ACC cannot be justified at all times. Even in the case of WORLD CUP LEAGUE 2009-2013 structure, just imagine if Nepal performs exceptionally well and make it to TOP 4 teams in ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2013, will not it again be a case of deprivation of Nepal rights? ICC’s decision of permitting only 10 teams for ICC WORLD CUP 2015 is same like what our Nepali politicians do when taking major decisions…. It is really frustrating to see even well-educated persons sitting at the helm of ICC functioning could take abrupt decisions favoring their whims and fancies. Even if there was a need to take such a decision, ICC could have taken it for the 12th Edition 2019 World Cup and not for 11th Edition 2015 World Cup? We, all cricket lovers have been devastated by this cruel decision of ICC depriving non-test playing nations’ participation in a WORLD CUP. I, on a personal letter will send a protest letter to ICC on this matter. But since Nepal is a member of ICC and Cricket Association of Nepal is the governing body of Nepali cricket and any such letter which may antagonise ICC officials and have repercussions on Nepali cricket, I will have to first check with CAN officials. If they permit, it is fine. But even if they disallow, I have done my job through this website.