National team captain Paras Khadka is to play club cricket in Canada. He has been called to play for Ontario Cricket Club and Academy for 4 months. He is preparing to leave for Canada in second week of May after completing visa related process.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and Armed Police Force (APF) – from which he plays – have already given a clearance to Khadka to play in a foreign country. However, he is to come back to Nepal in the third week of September, to play ACC trophy for Nepal in UAE.
Paras told us that the club will have to release him to play for whenever Nepal plays international cricket.
Nepal’s Canadian coach Pubudu Dassanayake is responsible for getting Paras in the Canadian Club.
“This is a good opportunity for me. Coach is seeking opportunity for other players too,” Paras said, “Playing in foreign conditions is good. It builds toughness. If 4-5 players play in other countries, Nepal’s preparations ahead of ACC Trophy and Division 4 will be good.”
All expenses for Paras is to be borne by the Club. “I will get remuneration too, but the amount is not fixed yet,” Paras said. He will be applying for Canadian Visa within a few days, after collecting all documents.
“Coach had asked me whether I would play if I get opportunity. I said I was ready.” He said.
Paras and Shakti Gauchan came into limelight after they helped Nepal finish 7th in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers. Skipper Khadka had made 254 runs and taken 7 wickets. Gauchan took 16 wickets and finished as the third top wicket taker in the championship. Gauchan has already returned after trials at the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Rajasthan Royals.
Ontario Club contracts players from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka every year to play. Along with Paras, Ontario has already contracted former India A player and Deccan Chargers (IPL team) player Jaskaran Singh, for this year.