Recently concluded ACC U-19 Cup cricket tournament has been common topic of discussion through out the country. People from every walk of life are praising the performance of Nepalese boys and talking about the future of Nepalese cricket. These boys have now become national hero.
Since I have been a part of the tournament organizing committee in the both the edition, ACC U-19 Cup 2001 and 2005, I had a chance to follow the event very closely. In many respect, the tournament has been replication of 2001 edition. The tournament was as nicely conducted as it was in 2001. The performance of Nepalese team had equally impressive as it was in 2001. I still remember Sakti Gauchan’s Ton in 2001 against Maldives and fabulous catch by Binod Das over long on. While watching semifinal and final match of Nepal, the atmosphere of TU Ground reminded all the sweet memories of 2001 edition. In 2001 Nepal beat UAE in semifinal and Malaysia in final. In current edition Nepal beat Kuwait in semifinal and same opponent Malaysia in final. The style of winning semifinal in this ACC U- 19 Cup was almost replication of the win against Malaysia in final in 2001. Kanishk Chaugai’s unbeaten half centuries against Kuwait was replication of his inning against Malaysia in 2001. Amrit Bhatrai outstanding balling performance against Kuwait was replication of Lakhpa Lama outstanding balling performance in 2001. In overall a true reminder of sweet memories of ACC U-19 Cup 2001, Katmandu. I pray every one of us always have chance to remind our sweet memories of our past in such a grand style in future also.
Now, can Nepal replicate its performance in U-19 World Cup in 2002 New Zealand, in forthcoming U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka? Can it again beat team like Pakistan and Bangladesh? I wish to see the replication of performance of Nepalese team in U-19 World Cup 2002 in New Zealand in the forthcoming World Cup in Sri Lanka. I wish to see Nepal again beating some of the test playing nations as it has done in U-19 World Cup 2002 and 2004.
Though, ACC U-19 Cup has been replication of 2001 edition in many respect, I also observed some good signs and challenges for Nepalese crickets. The good sign was the sponsor’s interest in the tournament and prize money awarded to Nepalese boys. The unprecedented reward was given to Nepalese players by private sectors. This changed my perception about private sector on supporting the game. Now, all we need to do is market ourselves effectively and keep our performance standard up. The second good thing was crowd. A huge number of spectators had begun reaching to TU ground before nine o’clock in the morning, which I had never witnessed before. This will definitely help Nepalese cricket in the days to come.
Regarding challenges ahead, now we under tremendous pressure to raise our performance standard, which form current level, is difficult to improve without, having better infrastructure in the country, having a clear vision for Nepalese cricket and practicing good corporate governance within CAN and other sports body in the country. Let’s hope every cricket lover will do their part to overcome above challenges.