Cricket craze

As the Nepal Premier League (NPL) captivates cricket fans across the nation, Sadikshya Khadka talks to three viewers. From cheering for their favorite players and teams to discussing memorable moments and areas for improvement, their perspectives highlight both the love for the game and the aspirations for Nepali cricket’s future. 

Seeta Limbu, 36

The player I like most is Sompal Kami, who plays for the Karnali Yaks. His determination on the field is impressive. Out of all Nepali cricket players, my favorite is definitely Paras Khadka. Although I don’t watch cricket very often or know too much about the game, from what I have seen and heard, I think that a lot of improvement is still needed in both the field and the overall development of the players. The most exciting part of the match so far was the clip showing a man sitting on top of a tree to watch the game. It was hilarious. The image captured how dedicated some fans are. This moment made me realize how much love and passion people have for the sport that they would risk their safety just to get a glimpse. 

Binod Singh, 23

My favorite team competing in the current league is Sudurpaschim Royals. The player I admire most is Dipendra Singh Airee, who is the captain of the team. His leadership has made a significant impact, and I believe he has the potential to lead the team to victory.  I feel that if the cricket grounds in Nepal were better, it would greatly enhance the players' performance in the current matches. Better facilities would also help in better management of the league. At the moment, all matches are taking place on just one ground. This limits the ability to host more games and larger crowds. I believe that if the Mulpani ground were also utilized for matches, with better seating arrangements for viewers, the league could grow significantly and attract more attention both domestically and internationally. It would create a more professional atmosphere, which is crucial for the development of Nepali cricket.

Jenish Bade, 20

The NPL is receiving coverage from both national and international media, which is a significant achievement. International players like Shikhar Dhawan are also participating, bringing their experience and excellence from T20 cricket. If leagues like this are sustained in the coming years, I see a promising future for cricket in Nepal. These leagues play an important role in training players, providing exposure for international matches, and increasing Nepal’s visibility on the global cricket stage. Through platforms like this, players gain recognition from audiences and recruiters, opening doors to better opportunities and brighter careers. One of the most exciting aspects of this NPL was the overwhelming enthusiasm among fans. The stands are packed and the excitement has reached such levels that officials now guard the grounds to manage the enthusiastic crowds, and some fans even watch from treetops. The public’s love and passion for the sport are truly commendable.