When the country is dreaming about playing One Day International (ODI) cricket, there is one Nepali, who  having already done his bit in the one-day version  is thinking bigger. Standing in a Test match.
Buddhi Bahadur Pradhan, the 29-year-old from Biratnagar, is a member of International Cricket Council (ICC) Associate and Affiliate Umpire Panel and has already officiated seven ODIs.
Pradhan debuted on November 11, 2006 in a match involving Kenya and Bermuda and stood in two more in the tour. His most recent assignment was in Kenya where he officiated four matches of the ICC Tri-Series between Kenya, Scotland and Canada. The tour made international headlines because it was the tournament in which controversial umpire Darrell Hair made his comeback and joined Pradhan in his first comeback match.
NepalCricket.com had a talk with Nepal’s most successful umpire about his experience of being at the top level after his return from Kenya. Excerpts:
How was your experience at ODI level?
It was good. I felt to have improved a lot after standing in the ODI matches. More than that, I felt joyous standing with umpires from Test nations. Their support as colleagues gives a lot more confidence.
You partnered Darrell Hair. How was the experience of standing with the controversial umpire?
I was very happy because Hair was involved in the formation of our panel. ICC Associate and Affiliate Panel was formed by Chris Kelly and him. He was the one who trained us in Malaysia before the announcement of panel and to stand along with your teacher is an honor.
Did he say anything?
A few things. He told me he had hoped that I would be at the top level and said I could do better. He said I could ask him anything if I’m in doubt and asked to mail him about my progress.
How many ODIs you have officiated?
Seven. I have already started counting.
You represented Nepal. How do other officials react to a Nepali umpire?
When we officiate in the same tournament  we are on an even field and they don’t say more. But after tournaments, they congratulate me. This time, the English umpire hoped that he and I would stand in a Test match at the Lord’s.
Do you hope to officiate in a Test?
That depends on luck also. But I have done everything I can do. For an umpire from non-Test nation, it’s not easy but I hope that if I continue doing well, ICC would provide me with the opportunity.
What difference do you find between you and umpires from Test nations?
Not much. They represent Test nations, that’s all. At that point, we all are equal following the same law and regulations. Only that they are more experienced in top-level matches.
You have come a long way from being a club-level umpire of Biratnagar to ODI umpire of ICC. Where do you aim to finish?
I have, of course, come a long way. But there is still a long road ahead. I am hoping to go forward as long as my health permits. Human are greedy  I was hoping for ODIs and now I want Tests. Then maybe senior World Cup (Pradhan has already officiated in Youth World Cup). For us, it’s necessary to dream higher like everyone. But luck plays a big part.
Do you see other Nepali umpires capable of reaching that height?
There are two or three young umpires who can do it and all they need is determination and professionalism. I have made a way for them and ICC also believes Nepalis can do the job. They need to work hard.
Let’s change the topic. You have seen players from top Associate countries. How much difference is there between them and our players?
A lot. They get a lot of support including coaching and other benefits. Their playing style is better because they play a lot of practice matches touring other countries but our players are not experienced. Our batsmen do not have match practice. Bowling and fielding is even but our batting and fitness is weaker.