Yesterday, Cricket Association of Nepal announced Gyanendra Malla as the new captain of the national cricket team – social media was ablaze – most users congratulating the new captain while thanking outgoing captain Khadka for his contribution to the team.
Many political leaders did the same – and so did the chairman of the ruling party, Pushpa Kamal Dahal. His wish while written in all good purpose and intent amused many social media users.
“Under the enterprising and vibrant stewardship of Paras Khadka, Nepal played in T20 World Cup 2014 in Bangladesh and acquired ODI status as well and now the reins of captaincy is handed over to another dynamic character Gyanendra Malla and his captaincy will also lead Nepal to achieving further laurels and kudos in the coming days. Congrats Gyanendra for the new responsibility bestowed upon you which I firmly believe you will deliver goods with flying colours”, he wrote.
The caption is a stark contrast to a usual pattern he adopts – most of the comments/updates made by Chairman Prachanda are in Nepali language, unlike this one. The grammar is flawless, and the language, well, let’s say ‘enterprising and vibrant’. Many remarked on the same – one even going on to say that ‘he would score an IELTS 8.5 score in the writing section’. While the first part is of amusement, several others commented on the lack of essential infrastructure for the development of cricket in Nepal.
While it is true we cannot blame Chairman Prachanda for the dilapidated state of the infrastructure, the public sentiment holds true, and needs immediate addressing.
Nepali Cricket team has shown tremendous improvement over the past decade, many which can be considered bringing in international fame to Nepal. For example, under the able captaincy of Khadka, Nepal clinched a berth in the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, and in 2018 Nepal gained One Day International (ODI) status for the first time in history. Despite, Nepal being an ODI nation, our under-construction international cricket ground in Mulpani is yet to be complete. Its only stadium in Kirtipur lacks several facilities, and cannot host an international match.
Cricket Association of Nepal, the official governing body of cricket needs to demonstrate better ability to lead the team to newer heights. The association, embroiled in several controversies, has lost the faith of public to do so – and that needs addressing.
Nevertheless, despite the difficulties and the struggle, Nepali cricket team has demonstrated immense progress, a momentum which is ongoing, and like Chairman Prachanda, we also wish them the same.
