| We Can Become A Powerhouse
The fact has been proven that we have the arsenals to become the newest force in world cricket, which was beyond our stretch of imagination a decade ago. Commentary by Shushil Sharma.
Our recent super-duper performance at the U-15 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates is testimony to this.
Our national teams' consistent performances in various levels of the competition, over the years has convinced the cricket community that we can truly play the game just like any Test playing nations and have talent in abundance to establish ourselves as a leading cricket playing nation one day.
The endeavor, zeal, brilliance and professionalism displayed on the field by our cricketers had baffled followers of the game, specially in New Zealand, the UK, Australia and South Africa who were in the impression that we did not play the game because of our rugged terrain and if we did we were average.
That perception, however no more exist, thanks largely to our cricketers who turned in a breathtaking and spectacular performance during the Youth World Cup championship held in New Zealand. The world finally got to witness our talent in full bloom which in fact captivated their imagination and later had them sing praises for our cricketers. Now they honestly believe that we can rise to the highest level of the game.
Surely by now sports writers do agree that we can make a big splash in contemporary cricket if we continue to gather momentum, playing like real champions with a mission to accomplish.
Having said so the fact is that we still have a journey much longer and arduous than we thought or imagined of in front of us before we start dreaming or talking big. Of course it is imperative for us to harbor dreams, ambitions and optimism to motivate ourselves to pursue the goal within our reach. We are aware that for a nation like ours' with a rickety economy it is extremely difficult to develop sports as desired. Cricket is no exception though one of the oldest sports in the country. Whatever physical facilities and infrastructures exist in the country is negligible. So are funds and government support which is not a surprise.
As discussed over and over there is no dearth of talent in the kingdom and popularity wise cricket stands neck to neck with football, the numero uno sport in the country. The contribution made by individuals and private groups, specially in keeping the game moving cannot be overlooked. By organizing tournaments on their own for years, they did what the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) could not. They provided cricketers at least some sort of hope and a platform to look forward to. The last seven years has seen cricket popularity soar to dizzy heights mainly because of our success on the international front and the extraordinary popularity enjoyed by the game in neighboring countries.
The pathetic state of the game has not ceased our young aspirants from playing the game. Instead their level of enthusiasm and hunger for success has been literally phenomenal. What ever our achievement has been small or big so far speaks volumes of their skills, devotion and commitment. What they desperately require at the moment is a healthy and friendly cricketing environment in tandem with a strong administration.
This is possible unless CAN members are honestly committed and refrain themselves from petty politics. The ongoing controversy over the construction site of a proposed cricket academy in the country, supposedly approved by the international cricket body is one example of dirty politics. Long as members keep their vested interest floating, the scenario will remain unchanged and cricketers would have to shoulder the brunt. Good sense and wisdom must prevail on part of CAN members to develop and bolster Nepali cricket. Otherwise, the game will be badly impacted and also it would be unfair to our cricketers who have redefined the game and expect big things to happen on the domestic front in order to pave the way for more achievements.
Back to the competition the youngsters played their hearts out from the word go. Combining excellent team work and individual brilliance they outshined opponents one after another with relative ease and eventually rode to the super league with a fantastic all win record.
The young Turks continued with their menacing form and surprised Bangladesh to set up a clash with Pakistan in the semifinal.
In an exhibition of consistent bowling and fielding our bowlers restricted the highly rated opposition to a paltry score, putting themselves in a winning position. Unfortunately for them that did not happen as our batting department collapsed and had to concede a narrow defeat at the end. Despite the loss the team's overall performance was high class, winning accolades from all quarters.
Full marks to the former Sri Lankan international Roy Dias for his effective coaching methods responsible in guiding our national teams to success one after another. The message is loud and clear: "We can do it".
Sushil Thapa, a sports writer, currently resides in the U.S.