Kathmandu, Mar. 20: The National Sports Council (NSC) has sought more support for Nepal’s cricketing sector from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The issue was raised during a formal meet between NSC member-secretary Tanka Lal Ghising and ICC Chair Greg Barclay on Tuesday.

Barclay arrived in Nepal on Monday for a four-day official visit. Before departing on March 21, Barclay has a series of visits and discussions with several cricketing stakeholders. Barclay is expected to meet with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and other high-level government officials.

The official visits started after Barclay met Ghising at the latter’s office in Tripureshwor. 

According to the NSC, the duo discussed Nepal’s current standing and future prospects in world cricket. 

“The craze of cricket in Nepal is visible. We request the ICC to help organise more international cricket matches in Nepal. Nepal also seeks ICC’s support in establishing a high-performance training centre,” Ghising said.

Ghising also thanked ICC for giving Nepal a major responsibility: co-hosting the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup with Bangladesh in 2027.

“I have heard of the support by the ICC to the USA and West Indies for the T20 World Cup in June. We expect similar support for the U19 Women’s World Cup,” added Ghising.

Barclay was also informed of the developments in cricket infrastructure as the government was constructing three international-level stadiums – Mulpani Cricket Ground, Gautam Buddha Int’l Cricket Stadium and Girija Prasad Koirala Cricket Stadium – as national-pride projects.

Praising Nepal’s progress in global cricket despite a lack of proper infrastructure, Barclay assured of providing every possible support to Nepal.

“Nepal seems to be capable of becoming the number one Associate member without enough infrastructure. ICC will always support Nepal in cricket,” said Barclay.

Responding to Barclay’s concern, Ghising assured that Nepal would climb forward in global cricket with the increase in government investment.