Nepal Cricket Aims for Test Dream, ICC Full Membership in Sight

Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has unveiled its long-term ambition of playing Test cricket, expressing a strong desire to one day gain full membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Currently an associate member, Nepal aims to follow in the footsteps of countries like Ireland and Afghanistan, who were granted Test status in 2017. Former national team captain and current CAN Secretary Paras Khadka told BBC Sport that Test cricket is Nepal’s ultimate dream, and like climbing Mount Everest, the journey will be challenging but achievable.

To support this goal, CAN has begun laying the groundwork by launching a domestic multi-day red-ball tournament and the Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 league. Investment is also being made in women’s cricket and the improvement of stadium infrastructure across the country. The government has provided budget support for new stadiums and upgrades, while CAN is preparing to raise its Test ambitions informally during the ICC Annual General Meeting in Singapore in July.

Nepal’s passion for cricket continues to grow, as seen in packed stadiums and emotional fan support. The national team, often nicknamed the "Cardiac Kids" for their habit of taking matches down to the last ball, has shown remarkable progress in recent tournaments. Their dramatic win against Scotland in the last ball and memorable performances in League 2 have captured attention. Captain Rohit Paudel shared his hope of one day playing a Test match against England at Lord’s, the same ground where Nepal defeated MCC in 2016, calling it a moment of national pride in the making.