Jan 17, Kathmandu - The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) organized a program on Saturday to bid farewell to the Nepali cricket team ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup.

During the event, CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand and Nepali Congress leader Dr. Sunil Sharma personally wished the team success.

Dr. Sharma handed over a pre-announced prize of NPR 2 million to the team after their victory in the T20 series against the West Indies. He also announced that the team reaching the Super Eight stage in the upcoming World Cup would receive an additional NPR 2 million.

Highlighting support for players, Dr. Sharma mentioned that free medical treatment has been provided to both male and female national team players and their families. He assured that this support will continue despite the current agreement and called for the government to consider pensions for players after their retirement.

Chatur Bahadur Chand noted that although Nepal has not played Test matches against full-member nations, the team’s consistent busy schedule has contributed to good preparation. He expressed confidence in the team’s balanced composition and expressed hope that Nepal would reach the Super Eight stage.

CAN Secretary and former captain Paras Khadka emphasized the high expectations placed on the national team by the country and the international cricket community.

He advised players to maintain discipline, as their conduct and performance in the World Cup will influence not only the country’s image but also serve as role models for aspiring cricketers.

Following their victory over the West Indies, enthusiasm within the team has increased, and preparations for a series against Test-playing nations are underway, according to Khadka. Despite the outcome, he described this World Cup as a significant opportunity for Nepal.

Khadka, who captained Nepal in their first T20 World Cup appearance in Bangladesh in 2014, pointed out that it took Nepal ten years to qualify for their second World Cup. Now, for the third consecutive time, Nepal is participating in the tournament.

In this World Cup, Nepal is placed in Group C, alongside England, Italy, West Indies, and Bangladesh.