Aakash Chopra Urges BCCI to Boost Nepal Cricket

Former cricketer and renowned commentator Akash Chopra has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to embrace Nepal cricket and accelerate the growth of Asian minnows on the international stage. Chopra’s call comes in the wake of Nepal’s impressive performance against India in the Asia Cup 2023 match held on Monday in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.

In the match, Nepal was sent to bat first, and their opening pair, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, exhibited remarkable maturity, forging a solid 65-run partnership for the first wicket. They defied the formidable Indian bowling attack, which featured the likes of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur. Notably, this was Nepal’s inaugural one-day international match against the Indian team since gaining ODI status in 2018.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chopra proposed that the BCCI should integrate Nepal into India’s domestic cricket structure. He emphasized the need for India to assist Nepal in their cricketing journey, suggesting that the Indian cricket board send the A team to Nepal. Chopra stated, “India must adopt Nepal cricket and make it their responsibility to bring them up to speed with International Cricket. Send the A team to Nepal.”

Furthermore, he recommended involving Nepal in India’s domestic cricket setup, citing a similar example of India-A playing a full first-class season in the West Indies. Chopra highlighted the unmatched passion for cricket in Nepal and their potential in the sport. Nepal has recently made its Asia Cup debut after winning the ACC Premier Cup, showcasing their rising prominence in the cricketing world.

 

India must adopt Nepal cricket and make it their responsibility to bring them up to speed with International Cricket. Send the A team to Nepal. Involve them in India’s domestic structure (I remember India-A playing a full first-class season in Windies). The passion for cricket in…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 4, 2023

Meanwhile, the ongoing Asia Cup cricket match between Nepal and India faced an unexpected interruption due to water-related issues.

In a historic turn of events, Nepal’s opening batsman Aasif Sheikh made cricketing history by scoring a remarkable half-century against the formidable Indian cricket team. This achievement is particularly significant as Sheikh becomes the first Nepali player to achieve this feat against India.

Aasif Sheikh’s masterful innings unfolded as he meticulously navigated the pitch, accumulating 50 runs from 88 deliveries, including 7 boundaries in the form of exquisite fours. At the time of this milestone, Nepal’s scoreboard displayed 113 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 27.2 overs.