The big man with headband on his bald head is always longing to contribute for his team’s victory. Off the field, however, he is His Highness, the cousin of the Sultan of Oman and bloodline of the Al Bu Sa’idi dynasty, the oldest monarchy in the world.

His Highness Qais Khalid Al Said of Oman during ACC T20 Cup in Kathmandu. Photo by PhotoEverest.com

Al Said, 33, is a medium pace bowler and bats lower down the order; but his contribution to the cricket doesn’t end at the field. He is also the vice-president of the Oman Cricket and is determined to take cricket in his country, where mainly expatriates play the game, to a next level.

“In Oman cricket is not a big sport and only expatriates play the game. There are only two Omanis in the team right now,” Al Said, who is currently in Nepal with the team to compete in the ACC Twenty20 Cup, said. “But I hope to popularize the game and attract more Omani players into it.”

Al Said learnt cricket in his early days when he studied at Oxford, UK and played junior county cricket. Later, he moved to Millfield School, a school in Somerset that is world-renowned as a sports school.

“At the age of 16, I was in the school’s first team and opened bowling with Simon Jones,” Al Said said. Jones later played for England and was a part of Ashes winning English team in 2005.

The proud moment of his early day cricket is also associated with a famous English cricketer. “My claim to fame was bowling out Mark Trescothick for a duck during a junior game with Somerset,” he recalled.

Al Said fielding during a match in Kathmandu. Photo by PhotoEverest.com

He also used to play football. He moved to USA after receiving a football scholarship and didn’t play cricket for 13 years. His passion for cricket got revived after he returned Oman two years ago.

Al Said wishes to play cricket as long as his body allows because he thinks it’s an honor to play for ones country.

“I want to ensure that our children have someone to look up to and idolize” said Al Said looking out with dreams in his eyes–the dream to see Oman with Omani players competing with the established Test nations.

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Probably, realizing the challenges, the soft speaken Sri-Lanka born Canadian made a cautious comment about his target.

“Coaching is challenging and I’m here to face it. My major assignment is to qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers through the ACC Twenty20,” said Dassanayake then.

But, if you meet Dassanayake now, he is more confident and says, “Our ultimate goal will be to win the ACC Twenty20 Tournament.”

Dassanayake set up a focus on improving fitness level of the Nepali players when he met them first and he started teaching them how to adapt the Twenty20 format of the game.

“If I’ve to say it in percentage, they are 70 percent fit enough and now we will focus on maintaining it during the remaining training days,” Dassanayake told Republica.

Meanwhile, he also claimed that he helped players to change their mindset on playing unorthodox shots and adapting Twenty20 format. “I’ve no issue, if they play a shot, try to score but get out,” said Dassanayake.

Nepali U-25 team’s success against Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIC), India in the recently concluded SAARC U-25 Twenty20 Cricket could be considered as a dividend of Dassanayake’s theory.

Nepal has an average score of 113 runs in the Twenty20 format of the game. Nepal had won only seven T20 matches of the 14 official matches it played. Nepal’s highest official T20 score till date is 159 runs against Bahrain in the ACC Twenty20, 2009.

However, Nepali U-25 team successfully chased the target of 219 runs against KIC. In the match, Captain Paras Khadka and Gyanendra Malla scored 114 runs in 5.3 overs to lift Nepal from 108/4 by the end of the 14th over.

“Twenty20 is all about believing yourself and playing your shots. I’m impressed, we have come few steps ahead than the time I met the team for the first time. However, maturity to play a shot in the right time is still a major concern,” said Dassanayake.

“Players like Paras (Khadka), Gyanendra (Malla), Prithu (Baskota) and Pradeep (Airee) are doing well in the net and they have to take it to the middle of the ground consistently. Binod (Bhandari) also plays unorthodox shots like reverse, paddle and sweep. Batting is slowly coming to a level,” he added.

The players in the closed camp have been playing practice matches dividing teams within them and Dassanayake could be found counting dot balls after every innings. “You can’t let too many dot balls in T20 format. We had this problem in the Maldives (SAARC U-25 Twenty20) too. We should pull singles if we can’t hit boundary. Batsmen should improve in taking singles,” said Dassanayake.

Dassanayake claimed that as usual the Nepali team is good in bowling and fielding. “As I know, we are good in bowling and fielding and we have improved in these areas also,” he said.

Nepal will take on Hong Kong, UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the upcoming ACC Twenty20 Tournament that will be held in Kathmandu from December 3 to 11.

“I’m not worried about the semifinal. We have to win the tournament,” said Dassanayake. “However, I’ll take one match at a time,” he concluded diplomatically.

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Dassanayake, who guided Canada to the World Cup 2011 as a coach, is expected to take the Nepali cricket to a higher level. In this scenario, Nabin Khatiwada and Binod Pandey spoke with Dassanayake over the telephone on Sunday.

How much do you know about Nepali cricket?

I’ve been following U-19 team but I don’t know much about the senior team. I’ve watched clips of some matches that are available on youtube. I’ve been reading about Nepali team on internet and I’m doing my preparation.

Do you know any player of the Nepali national team?

No. I don’t know anyone by name. I’m looking forward to meet them in Kathmandu.

Why were you interested to become Nepal’s coach?

During the World Cup, I had already made up my mind to step down as the coach of the Canadian team. Meanwhile, Mr Binay (CAN President Binay Raj Pandey) was in touch with me through emails asking me if I was interested in coaching the Nepali team. After a series of email, I decided to take the charge.

What are your plans and what do you hope to accomplish as Nepal’s coach?

I’m taking charge in a T20 environment which is all about performance. My focus would be on improving Nepal’s ranking. But focusing only on national team won’t have much impact. We have to develop it from age groups to have a solid base for cricket development.

You are taking over from Roy Dias, your compatriot. How do you feel?

Roy is a great player and coach. He was technically correct batsman for Sri Lanka. I’ve heard there are good players in Nepal too. Taking over from him, I’ll focus on improving the ranking and the performance of the Nepali teams. But before that, I’ll have to understand local system.

You are taking charge just before the ACC T20 tournament at home. You are aware that home matches draw strong crowd who demand best performance. How do you look at that challenge?

I’m used to tackling the home environment. I think it is going to be easier to make players perform well in home condition.

ACC T20 is also a passage for selection to T20 WC. What are your hopes?

We want to be on top four and qualify for the next round. We’ll give everything to be on the top four.

From what you have found out till now, what are the strengths and weaknesses of our team?

I’ve come to know that bowling and fielding are up to the marks. Batting under pressure seems to be the area of concern. I’ll work on improving it. Overall, I think we have a good chance at the upcoming tournaments.

How is cricket in Nepal different from cricket in Canada?

Canada started focusing on cricket only after south Asians started moving here. Baseball and Hockey are more popular than cricket here. But, cricket is one of the top sports in Nepal. Nepal has talented players. Coaching job in an associate country is itself a tough job as sometimes team is not available even to train for a longer period. But, I’ve heard that Nepal do not have such problems.

How do you evaluate your tenure as Canada coach? And what legacy you want to leave as Nepal coach?

Qualifying for the World Cup was a tough challenge but we did it. I’m proud of the time I spent with Canadian team as a coach for three years and more.

I want to leave a mark in Nepal too. I want to take Nepal to the higher rank and possibly into the World Cup. More importantly, I want to create an environment that will be appreciated long after I leave the job.

When will you arrive in Kathmandu?

As per schedule, I’ll be in Kathmandu by September 29.

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Nepali U-15 team won the ACC U-15 Elite Cup in 2006 in Malaysia under the leadership of Baskota. He, then, led Nepali team to win the ACC U-17 Elite Cup in 2009 in Kathmandu. Baskota was the vice-captain of the Nepali team that participated in the ACC U-19 Elite Cup 2009 in Kuwait, where Nepal could not reach the final for the first time in 10 years and missed the chance to play World Cup Qualifiers.

However, Nepali team reached the final of ACC U-19 Elite Cup held in Thailand earlier this year and secured its chance to play ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Ireland from July 28 to August 9. Nepali team, which spent a month and a half in closed camp training, will leave Kathmandu on Sunday. Top six teams of the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers will secure berth in the U-19 World Cup scheduled to be held in Australia in 2012 and the Nepali youths are targeting one of the spots.

How was the closed camp training?

The training was good. We were in the closed camp training for a month and a half and we improved with every passing day. We are physically and mentally stonger after the training. We worked to improve in every departments of the game. Meanwhile, we know that the wickets in Ireland will be fast unlike slow wickets of Nepal and we are training to adjust with this during the game.

Will it be that easy to adjust in the conditions of Ireland?

It could have been better if we had reached Ireland earlier than our scheduled time but I´m confident we´ll adjust. We were trying to play quick shots on bowling machine expecting bouncy wickets in Ireland.

What would you say about Nepali U-19 team?

I think the current Nepali team is more balnaced than the team that took part in the ACC U-19 Elite Cup in Thailand. We have a medium pacer, a spinner and a batsmen added in the squad and it has enhanced our bench strength.

What are the strength and weakness of your team?

Spin attack is our most significant strength and we are good in fielding. Overall, we have a balanced team. I don´t see any particular weakness but I would like to say we are improving every day in all departments of the game.

How do you rate your opponents in the Qualifiers?

So far as I´m concerned, Afghanistan could be the toughest for us. European teams – Scotland and Ireland – might be the other tough challengers. We do not know much about other teams and keeping this fact in mind, we´ll take every match seriously.

If so, what is the target of the Nepali team?

We want to qualify for the World Cup. This World Cup could be the last U-19 tournament for many players in the squad if we qualify. We all have a dream of playing the World Cup and I´m hopeful we´ll achieve success.

How desperate are you for playing the World Cup?

In our team, only Rahul dai (Rahul BK) has World Cup experience. And, I already told you that we want to play the World Cup.

[This interview originally appeared in Republica. Re-published with permission, all rights with Republica.]

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Prithu Baskota talks to media before leaving for tour to Bangladesh and Thailand. Photo by NepalSportsPhoto.com

Prithu Baskota is the first Nepali cricketer to lead all age-group teams. After captaining U-15 and U-17, during which his team won the ACC U-17 Elite Cup, Prithu is leading the U-19 team in the ACC U-19 Elite Cup, the first step for the qualification to Youth World Cup. Nepal missed the YWC last year after five straight qualifications.

In an interview with Cricket Nepal, Prithu said the team’s aim to gain the lost glory by qualifying to the Youth World Cup.

What is your expectations?

We have a team of talented cricketers and our side is balanced in terms of experienced and young players. Our ultimate aim is to win the trophy for the country.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the team?

We have depth in batting and we are strong in spin bowling attack. We have limited number of medium pacers. However, I expect all the boys will perform well to win the matches. I don´t see weaknesses as such but we need to improve our ground fielding.

Who do you think could be tough competitors for Nepal in the tournament?

We are slated in a tough pool of the tournament. Afghanistan are strong opponents as they had defeated us in the semifinals of the last edition. Likewise, the UAE are also good enough to challenge us. Meanwhile, we should not underestimate Oman as well.

Nepal U-19 team. Photo by NepalSportsPhoto.com

How were the training and practice sessions in Nepal?

We identified our weaknesses and tried to improve in the concerned area during those sessions. We were also good at practice matches against the team like Nepal APF Club.

Nepal are four-time champions of the tournament but we lost in the semifinals of the last edition. How do you assure Nepali cricket fans that you will win the trophy?

Despite good performances, it was our bad luck to lose the semifinal match against Afghanistan last time. This time boys are again dreaming of regaining the lost glory. Everyone is dreaming of playing the U-19 World Cup, for which everyone should give his best during the tournament.

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Matthew Kennedy, the ICC Global Development Program Manager. Photo Courtesy Bikash Karki/Republica

Matthew Kennedy, the ICC Global Development Program Manager, is in Kathmandu for the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 5. He joined International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2000 and has been serving in the current position since January, 2004. On Thursday, in between his meetings, Kennedy talked with Cricket Nepal about the Program and the tournament. Excerpts:

Cricket Nepal: Let’s begin with the ICC Global Development Program. What it is?

Matthew Kennedy: The ICC Development Program began in 1998 and it’s a global program broken into five regions. So, there is five regional development program based in Melbourne for East Asia Pacific, in Kuala Lumpur for Asia, in Toronto for America, in Johanesburg for Africa and London for Europe. The aim of the Program is to try and promote cricket in 94 Associate and Affiliate member countries.

What are the activities of the program?

The program is split into five sections. The High Performance Program (HPP) which is about focusing on best six Associate members and try to bridge their gaps to the Full members. There is a regional development program which concentrates on junior development, education of coaches and umpires, facilities development as well as regional competitions.

There is a development event section, which looks after WCL, that’s why we are here in Nepal this week, the Intercontinental Cup, the Intercontinental Shield and the World Twenty20 qualifier which happened in Dubai last week.

There is women’s cricket development as a standalone function across all the regional regions. And, there is member support and comply function which is assisting members to have plans and budgets so they can make and achieve their objectives and goals.

It has been more than 12 years since the program began. What are its achievements?

In that time, we had 45 members at that time, now we have 104 members and that’s a significant growth. It has been only 4-5 years since we integrated women’s cricket. But without a doubt, the biggest achievement in the period is the development of international competition structures: the WCL and the Intercontinental Cup. And, [there is] the opportunity and access for every member to work their way through regional competitions into the WCL, and if they are good enough, all the way through to the World Cup or the World Twenty20.

The top level of cricket is confined in a few nations. How do you see the top level expanding?

It all comes down towards trying to ensure the HPP plays a big role and making the countries strong enough to surprise, and consistently doing so, at the highest levels. In every country, it’s a different approach. In some countries where cricket is popular, like in Nepal where people know what cricket is, and in some other countries where cricket is not so popular as some other sports; so we have different approach and programs what we are trying to achieve.

To go at the top level, the countries have to become strong enough on the field by having good participation, structure and education.

Is it your first visit to Nepal?

Actually no. I have been here to participate in an ICC Development Committee meeting here in November 2005. That was brief.

How do you evaluate Nepal’s hosting of the WCL Div 5?

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and all the volunteers have done a fantastic job. It’s not easy to put on an international tournament like this. So the venues were fantastic and it’s exciting when you go to the field. I had meetings all way, but certainly I have been at IOE and TU for a half-day each, and I am sure that there will be fantastic environment tomorrow [Friday] at all grounds as there are interesting matches.

Do you think the decision to hold the event in Nepal was a wise one?

Definitely. Nepal has put on a fantastic event. There is still two days to go but the promotion, the support of the media including the live broadcasting on television, is quite unique to Nepal. There are not many associates that could have achieved it.

Cricket Nepal's Ujjwal Acharya interviewing Matthew Kennedy. Photo by Bikash Karki

Do you see the performance of the teams in WCL improving?

I think we are at the crossroads of the WCL. We are still at the early stage of the WCL with the promotion/relegation throughout the world. It will still take a few years for countries to find their positions. We will certainly see them settle down soon and the countries will challenge to go to the next level or be challenged by the lower division team. This is going to make it really exciting cricket.

What WCL does is it provides any team to progress all the way. An example is Afghanistan [Afghanistan went all the way to Division 2 from Division 5].

How Nepal can improve?

Exactly what it seems it is doing now – work way up the ladder. Nepal historically has some very good results at U-19 level in past six to seven years. I think the big challenge for Nepal is to translate those successes at the junior level into the senior team and the senior team should really have an ambition to break into the top 10 of the associate and affiliates nations. I know there are plans to do that.

There have been some criticisms to the program. The first is of course ICC focusing more on commercialization of the sports than the development. How do you refute it?

There is no need to refute it. In term of commercialization of the games, the ICC has broadcast partners and sponsorships with all major events. And, all the money is distributed towards all members that why country like Nepal and USA have the funding, which has tripled in past 12 months. From 2008 to 2009, there is a huge jump in the support that the ICC is able to give to countries.

All funding mechanism to all our members is based on the funding policy and we try to help everybody reach their potential and create new markets.

Yet another criticism is that the program is not concerned about developing homegrown players at the time when some of the nations are competing with expatriates only. What you have to say?

In terms of the national team, we have a very clear rules which says you need to be national of the country or living and playing cricket in the country for past seven years and you can only have two players who have played in the country for last four years. So, those rules are consistent for everybody. The key is not so much about making of the national team, in my view as long as they are eligible by rules, they are eligible to play at the ICC.

The key to development of the game is to make it sustainable. In different country, there is different makeup. In some, expatriate population has played really an important role in making cricket sustainable.

Do you see that in future the program helps to get more homegrown players?

Almost, there are may be second generation immigrants from the Test-playing countries but in future we will see many people born and grown in the country working their way to the system. The growing number of active participant number is showing that.

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Cricket Nepal talked with Paras, 23, about the event. Excerpts:

How was the preparation for the event?

We practiced for nearly one-and-half months. We have always played well in Nepal and we know the situation. We played practice matches on all three grounds and if we could utilize all this, we will have good results.

How important is the event?

This event carries big importance for us. This is a qualifier for the Division 4. If we could not do well, our World Cup dreams will be ruined. More than half of the players have played for 7 or 8 years. I feel if we could not progress, we should give youngsters a chance.

What’s our aim in the WCL Div 5?

Of course to win the event. Our first aim will be to be in the final and qualify for the Division 4. We always play for wins and we will take match-by-match.

Which players you have put more faith on for good performance?

I have hoped much from the opening batsmen. It’s not easy for openers to stay long on the pitches but if they give us a start, the middle-order can go well. Many of the players have played together for long and I believe this is an opportunity for all to show their capacity.

What’s the team’s strength?

I believe, the support from spectators and the condition here are our biggest strength. Home support will play a big role. Other teams, I believe, have no experience of playing in front of a big crowd. During earlier events, while we played well with crowd, other teams were little nervous.

Isn’t there pressure to play well on home turfs?

No pressure, we enjoy playing at home. When the crowd chants names of us, it gives a different enthusiasm.

Your coach believes you are a key player. What you expect from yourself?

Certainly, I have a big role as a captain. I am an all-rounder as a player and if I could contribute well, it encourages other players. I want to be exemplary. I have told all my teammates that this is the event to perform well if we want to take cricket forward and they all have understood this well.

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Cricket Nepal talked to Dias, the former Sri Lankan Test player, during USA’s practice match against Kathmandu at the TU Cricket Ground. Excerpts:

How was the preparation for the tournament?

Preparation has been very good. I had a lot of time, one and half month. In between we had a lay off for a week which was good for rest. We have been practicing at Bhaktapur and TU. So for me, everything is ready now.

How do you look forward to this event?

It’s a very, very important tournament for Nepal cricket. And, also for all others team. Fiji and USA are here much before the event; this shows how important this tournament is for them too.

What’s the target for Nepal?

Our target is to win every game. I am not thinking of the last game; first of all we have to finish the game against Jersey in Bhaktapur. By the time we come to the last game, we will know our position. We are taking one game at a time.

The boys are geared up; they know how important the tournament is.

Are you looking forward to play the final?

Of course. Because it’s for the promotion from Division 5 to 4.

Which country do you think will be the toughest opponent?

If you take Fiji and Jersy, they have already played in Div 4. So they must have a little bit experience of playing top sides of Div 4.

But I would rate USA as a strong side because they have just returned from the World Cup Twenty20 qualifier tournament. As I watch them playing here, I feel they are a good side. There are West Indians and a few Pakistanis and Indians. We have played them in Jersey [earlier Div 5 where Nepal defeated USA to finish third].

So I feel USA and Jersey are strong side. But you cannot take out any other team. It’s an open tournament.

How strong is Nepal?

We are a very good side. On papers, every player can bat. Bowling, we have a good combination of fast and spin – the best available.
If you have to name a key player?

Captain Paras Khadka will be a very important person not only as a player but also as a captain. He is a very intelligent cricketer. Then we have Mehboob Alam, who has not flared as we have expected in a last few months possibly because of his fitness and all. But for this tournament, he has trained very hard. It’s also important tournament for him also because it’s on the home country where he is the most popular cricketer. Then, Dipendra Chaudhary has matured as a cricketer.

For coach Roy Dias, how important is the tournament?

Very, very important. I think the most important tournament that I would take part as a coach of Nepal.

We will be playing at home ground and in front of huge crowd. Would it be pressure or advantage for the Nepal team?

I don’t think it would be a pressure. It would be an advantage. They know the fans will be supporting them and they know they have to play well for the fans. Nepal is a lucky venue for Nepal.

What are your words to the fans?

They have to behind the players, support them. And, whatever the outcome is, they have to support the team because they too want to perform well.

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Congratulations for being named the captain. How do you feel?

Thank you. One can obviously feel excited at this time. It´s a great privilege but with it comes great responsibility.

Was becoming the national captain your dream?

When I started playing I hardly knew I would make it this far. But, with time, hard work, determination and luck on my side I have managed to come this far.

To play for the country is the best feeling ever. I just wanted to play cricket for my country and if captaincy comes my way, it´s a great privilege but like I said with it comes tremendous responsibility. So, I never imagined I would be a captain of the national team. It´s a dream and it will only be worth something if we as a country win major tournaments.

What is your aim as the captain?

To lead from the front. To establish a cricket culture in our country where the passion is growing everyday, I want to see our cricket players get more than what they´re getting at present. We have amazing talents and just need the right exposure.

You became captain at a time when the team is lagging behind due to losses in crunch matches. Do you think your captaincy will be catalyst for the victories?

I want the team to play as a unit, forget everything once we enter the field and only concentrate on wining and give 100 %. A captain is only as good as his players to win.

We have to win important matches and, as players, all of us know it. What happened in the past is something we don´t want to focus too much on. We have to look forward, learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.

What could be the areas you will be looking to work on to better the results?

We have been playing well in tournaments but just that odd crucial game that we have been losing. May be, it´s a mental thing that we need to focus more than anything else.

You will be guiding a team that has players senior to you and two former national captains. Do you feel pressure?

I have been playing for the senior team for the past 5 years. We are all friends and brothers as a unit. For all of us, the main concern is how to make winning a habit. It doesn´t matter who´s who. It all comes down to those 11 players on the particular day and playing for the country.

What kind of support would you expect from them?

I have the support of all the players. I just want them to take pride in playing for the country. Now, it´s time to show what talent there is in the Nepali cricket.

Your first assignment will be ACC Twenty20 Elite Cup. What results you expect from the event?

It´s a 20-20 format and it´s very unpredictable as we all know. We as players are taking it one match at a time. All the teams are well prepared and so are we. It´s more about going and performing at this stage of our careers.

Which nations you see as tough opponents for Nepal? Why?

The Middle East countries have those Indian n Pakistani players. We can expect a tough fight from them but like I said 20-20 is an exciting and unpredictable format. It´s all about who can handle the pressure and we are geared up for this event.

Someday, you will retire as the national captain, what legacy you want to leave as a captain for people to remember you?

I just want to be remembered as someone who led from the front, who played his heart and soul for the country and gave his bloody best every time. Hopefully, have a closet full of trophies and establish a cricket culture where youngsters can jell in any day and find that hunger and passion to do well for the country.

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As the ACC Development Manager, what are your impressions about cricket in Nepal?

There is no problem in regard to junior cricket, but there is certain amount of blockade from junior to senior cricket. This problem boils down to a couple of areas. One is the facilities that Nepal has – good high class grounds, pitches, indoor/outdoor practice facilities.

There is a huge gap from under-19 level and senior. U-19 have tournaments and then after only seniors. There should be under-22/23 tournament. I am happy to note that South Asian Games cricket will be U-21 and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is also looking for something for U-23. ACC is working programs with CAN to develop basic facilities in various regions like in Birgunj and Bhairahawa.

What things you think Nepal needs to improve on?

There is enough land to develop cricket facilities. With ICC fund coming in from 2009, we want to have professional CAN with permanent CEO, accountant, national coach and development manager which is compulsory according to ICC funding policy. Once these positions are filled, and with ICC fund, I believe that new facilities could be developed and cricket will grow. But there need to right person – no nepotism appointment.

About players, they are not mentally strong enough in senior level. When they play in Nepal in front of 10,000 supporters, they are strong but they need to learn to play strongly when 10,000 people against them; that’s in important factor.

How can players’ be made mentally strong ?

There should be better understanding with India because the Nepali players do not need visa or something like that to go to India.CAN is working out on proposals on that and I am sure that they will do some ties.

There is need of longer version of cricket – three/four-day cricket. Nepal is good at shorter version of game but they need to play longer cricket to improve skills, temperament and mental strength.

A Nepali player only gets 4 or 5 matches a year in domestic cricket. What’s your view on our domestic cricket ?

That’s not enough. They need to get at least 9 to 12 days of cricket per tournament. CAN has to change the structure. That’s the base to develop cricket skills – batting, bowling and fielding. With ICC funding coming, we have gone through the shortcomings of Nepal’s cricket and working on ways to improve on them.

They need to put on professional level domestic structure in 2009 to get the ICC money. If they do not put that, I will not be recommending ICC to give Nepal any money.

What do you say about CAN ?

We must be thankful to CAN for their voluntary works on their own for the game of cricket. But unfortunately, they are working guys and they can not involve in CAN full time; we would like to see people doing this for ages without any payment or arrangement continuing their support. But professional things need to be handled by professionals as Nepal is moving from a friendly cricket playing nation to a serious nation. That’s also because the ICC funds will depend on Nepal’s ranking which can only be higher when seniors play well.

There was no Asian nation in the last/next World Cup. That must be embarrassing thing for ACC, wasn’t it?

Yes. We had three nations in qualifiers for next World Cup – UAE, Oman and Afghanistan. We helped them with all possible support. The whole idea is we have to develop players. For Ireland, most of their players are playing in England in counties; likewise Afghanistan does well as they play in Pakistan. Without support of Test nations, it’s difficult for Associate nations to qualify. The other concern is expatriate players – they play two years and go.

So, we want ethnic locals to play cricket otherwise ACC money is spent for what – on Pakistanis and Indians; that’s not good.

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