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Nepal is desperately trying to catch up pace with her neighbors who have already carved a niche in world cricket. The three cricketing giants of South Asia: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have accomplished feats beyond our imagination and stand tall in the game, internationally. Besides, they have set the pace in world cricket, thus raising the bar to new heights.

The latest to join the elite group of world cricket is another neighbor
of ours': Bangladesh. Having taken a quantum leap in the game and earned themselves the status of Test playing nation, they are set to follow the footsteps of their illustrious neighbors. The swift transition made by Bangladesh from amateurs to professionals is amazing and an eye opener to us.

But there is much left to be done in Nepal. For instance, sports reporter Gajendra Thapa sees the need to take lessons from Bangladesh who have made a sensational climb up the ladders. He attributes the growth of cricket in the neighboring countries to a congenial professional environment. “Cricket has clicked there mainly because of the government and private sector's partake in its development. Apart from that they have an effective system backed by committed administrators and strong physical facilities. To be honest we are devoid of these elements."

"For more than fifty years the game has remained stagnant because of our failure to build infrastructures. Barring a few playing grounds the scenario remains much the same today. Of course, our international participation has sharply increased and we have played host to a number of international championships. More importantly, we have a stupendous task on hand to steady the healthy growth of the game."

Thapa is absolutely right. Despite the fact that the game of cricket started several decades ago in Nepal, we are still sans the basic requirements to nurture the game. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) was instituted in 1946 but the organization has spent much of its time in hibernation. Mr Jai Kumar Nath Shah, president of CAN for more than 30 years has been a huge disappointment, although he claims to have worked tirelessly for the cause of cricket. With the kind of clout, privilege, leverage and accessibility he enjoyed and or continues to enjoy, the game should have been well off in terms of development by now.

Thanks largely to Z- TV, the construction of Kirtipur cricket stadium was possible and eventually that paved the way for the organizer to host the first-ever international championship in the form of Second ACC Trophy in the capital in 1998. From there on we have played host to a good number of international tournaments and participated in numerous internationals with a fair degree of success.

If one ventures across the country, talented and enthusiastic cricketers can be spotted hurling down express deliveries or spinning the ball or hooking sixers or smashing fours on make shift play grounds (mostly paddy fields).This tells the true story of domestic cricket. Despite the harsh reality, the would-be cricketers of the future have not drifted or retreated into seclusion. Instead they have continued to play the game with unprecedented enthusiasm regardless of the situation.

The rage of cricket in the country is phenomenal. Next to football it is the most popular team event, specially in the young generation. Speaking of potential and talent he observed in Nepal during his 12-day fact finding and coaching assignment for ICC in 1999, former Australian international Bob Simpson told India's premier sports magazine Sports Star that he was surprised with what he saw in Nepal. “The Nepali style of cricket is very similar to that of the neighbor India. The boys are talented and have great timing when batting."

Indeed our cricketers have shown dramatic improvement be it bowling or batting or fielding department, technically, over the years, earning applause from yesteryears stars. A major break through was accomplished by Nepali colts at the fag end of 2001. By winning the Youth Asia Cup held in Kathmandu we have not only made it to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand but also underlined our potential to become a powerful cricket playing nation.

As I write this piece the Nepali squad has already departed for New Zealand to compete in the 16-team event. Coached by the former Sri Lankan international Roy Dias, Nepal is placed in group C along with Pakistan and Papua New Guinea initially. Although a tall order hopes are pinned high on the young Turks who are expected to perform strongly. Should they rise to the occasion and get the adrenaline going, they are capable of delivering the goods.

Sushil Thapa is a Nepali sports journalist currently residing in the U.S.