By Yadumani Gautam
No doubt, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is one of the best sport governing bodies in Nepal. Everyone knows it’s easy to be best buts it’s difficult to maintain that place. Same is with CAN. Although it is best, it lacks professionalism.
Last year, we saw some of it. Everyone knows, to achieve success there should be proper planning and good management. For the success of national cricket team, CAN should make proper plans. The first thing CAN should do is come out with a cricketing calendar. Last year too, we didn’t have a proper calendar. Without a proper calendar how can we move forward?
CAN should bring out calendar with equal focus on u-15, 17,19 & national team. All of them should get equal amount of exposure. If we maintain our own domestic calendar we can find more talented players. Well-managed domestic series will help us to perform well in the international tournament.
Nepali team didn’t play any international matches other than those arranged by International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Shouldn’t CAN try to arrange some inviting teams from India? CAN should also make an effort to host some One-Day International (ODI) matches. This sort of event will bring enthusiasm and hope for the team.
If we look at cricketing infrastructure, there is only a few grounds that can host good matches. One of the dream projects, ACC’s Central Academy, will hopefully start this year. The academy when completed will consist two playing fields; indoor and outdoor practice facilities along with other. It will surely be a gem for Nepali cricket.
Kalaiya Cricket Club is also constructing cricket ground – the Siddeswar Sports Complex Cricket Ground. Handling such a big project without having a regular source of income is appreciable. CAN should help them and make plans to construct at least one good stadium in every region.
Another most awaited thing for cricket lovers is to see our team playing on television. Last year, we played ICC Intercontinental Cup match in Nepal, the international first-class match. It was a historic moment but we couldn’t witness it because it wasn’t live on television. As football is shown in television every now and then, why not cricket? So, we expect that CAN will make an arrangement of telecasting matches.
And all above that is our national team playing in World Cup Qualifying Series II in Malaysia next month. We are in do or die situation; we have to win the event to remain in competition for qualifying to ICC World Cup 2007. CAN need to provide some match practice to team. In this regard CAN should have tried to bring teams from neighboring countries.
In conclusion cricket has become one of the most popular sport within a short period of time. This popularity brings more responsibility for CAN. Now we need good and effective planning. Without proper planning and good management we can’t move forward. We expect this year, a new chapter will be added. Hope CAN and the national team stand up our expectation.