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"Seek ICC Full Membership": Nepal Keen On Climbing The Everest Of Test Cricket

Kaushik Kashyap

Nepal Fans In Dallas. [Source - T20WorldCup/x.com]Nepal Fans In Dallas. [Source - T20WorldCup/x.com]

Nepal, one of the emerging nations in world cricket, has expressed a strong desire to step into the longest and most prestigious format of the game i.e. Test cricket. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), on the back of the national team’s recent progress in limited-overs formats, is now looking to lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of playing Test cricket in near future.

Nepal currently holds Associate Member status within the International Cricket Council (ICC), a tier below the elite Full Members who are exclusively allowed to play Test cricket. At present, only 12 nations enjoy Full Membership with the most recent additions being Ireland and Afghanistan.

Nepal’s cricketing journey has witnessed significant milestones in recent years, including participation in ICC tournaments and producing world-class talents. For a nation known for the gigantic Mount Everest, the pursuit of Test cricket now stands as Nepal’s next great summit to conquer.

Nepal’s Everest Journey for Playing Test Cricket Begins

Just as scaling Everest represents the ultimate achievement for mountaineers, earning Test status is the pinnacle in world cricket and Nepal is showing immense interest in achieving that goal.

Speaking to BBC Sport recently, CAN secretary Paras Khadka shared his belief that the hunger for Test cricket in Nepal is stronger than ever. With growing ambition and a clear vision, the country is determined to achieve Test status.

“For anybody who knows Nepal, it is for climbing Everest. Test cricket is a dream but it is going to take time. We want to make sure that we climb all the right hurdles and one day we reach Everest, which means Test status and ICC full membership for us," Khadka said.

There’s no doubt that Nepal is a cricket-mad nation. With a population of over 29 million, the country’s passion for cricket is very much visible during their home fixtures in Kathmandu.

However, to achieve the coveted Test status, Nepal must meet several criteria set by the ICC, ranging from strong and fair governing body, consistent on-field performance, proper domestic structures and cricket infrastructure.

Nepal Takes Baby Steps Towards Test Cricket

In recent years, CAN has taken notable steps toward fulfilling these requirements as they launched the Nepalese Premier League, a domestic T20 franchise tournament aimed at boosting the competitive environment, in the year 2024.

Additionally, a multi-day red-ball domestic competition has been introduced as part of forming a culture for playing Test cricket. Moreover, there has been progress in women’s cricket in the country as well with CAN awarding central contracts to female players and making huge investment in the women’s game.