Former Indian Test cricketer VVS Laxman congratulated Nepal cricket team for qualifying to the ICC World T20 and suggested Nepali sports authorities to provide as much exposure as possible to the players for more success.
Laxman, who arrived in Kathmandu Monday afternoon as a special guest of the Journey to World Cup Cricket Tournament, handed over man-of-the-match award to Nepali pacer Avinash Karn after the inaugural match and shared opinions with Nepali cricket team and fans.
“I congratulate Nepali team for qualifying to the World T20. I have been following your recent matches,” said Laxman during the presentation ceremony. “The way Paras (Khadka) got reception during the presentation, I remember India in 1983, when India had won the World Cup,” he added.
Referring to Nepal’s participation in the upcoming ICC World Cup Qualifiers, Laxman expressed his belief that Nepal will do well in the New Zealand.
“There is nothing difference between the established side and emerging side. Cricket association of Nepal should provide as much exposure as possible to the players,” said Laxman. “You know your strength and weaknesses only by playing matches,” he added.
Former Indian Test Cricketer VVS Laxman with Nepali cricketers.
Laxman suggested Nepali fans to have patience and not to expect miracles. “We want more teams coming up in the cricket. Once Sri Lanka used to be called minnows but they won World Cup in 1996,” said Laxman. “But miracles will not happen. There should be structured process to develop and you have to be patient,” suggested the Indian legend cricketer, who played 134 Test and 86 ODIs.
Laxman spent around 10 minutes with the Nepali squad after the presentation ceremony. According to Nepali players, Laxman had suggested them not to get over-confident after qualifying to the World T20 and start preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers. He had also shared his ideas about how a player can adapt different format of cricket.
With the support of Indian Embassy, Zohra International, the organizer of the tournament, has invited Laxman to boost morale of the Nepali cricketers. The tournament is organized to help Nepali team to prepare for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers to be held in New Zealand in January 2014.