Kathmandu/Cricnepal: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Thursday bode farewell to the National Senior Cricket Team amidst a function in Capital. The team will leave for Sri Lanka on Friday for the preparation of the ICC World Cricket League Division IV tournament that is to be hel in Malaysia from September 3 to 10.
Nepal will play some friendlies with the top tier teams and train in Sri Lanka.
CAN president Tanka Angbuhang said “The preparation was good and we expect a good result.” This is the real test and we need to prove that we are capable. We need to prove this time and reach division III. So the Sri Lanka tour will have a larger benefit to the players. They will learn a lot in Lanka, Angbuhang added.
Extending wishes, the member secretary of the National Sports Council Yubaraj Lama said “the players need to boost up their morale and play for their and national pride. We though are considered as a stronger team in the associate world, we haven’t gained that status. We need to gain the promotion and the division IV is the perfect chance. We have got a good bunch of players. Hope they make it.”
Nepali squad comprises of Paras Khadka(C), Gyanendra Malla(VC), Sharad Veshkwakar, Subash Khakurel, Anil Mandal, Amrit Bhattarai, Rahul BK, Pradeep Airee, Prithu Baskota, Chandra Saud, Sanjam Regmi, Basanta Regmi, Shakti Gauchan and Binod Das.
Prithu Baskota, Pradeep Airee, Subash Khakurel and coach Pubudu Dassanayake will join the team directly in Sri Lanka.
Nepal will take on Singapore on the opening day at Selangor Turf Club. Nepal will play Tanzania on 4th at Bayuemas Oval. Nepal will take on host Malaysia on 6th at Selangor Turf Club. While Nepal will face USA on 7th at Kinrara Oval. Nepal will wrap up playing against Denmark on 9th at Kinrara Oval.
The teams participating include Denmark, Nepal, USA, Singapore, Tanzania and hosts Malaysia. These teams will compete for the opportunity to finish in the top two of the event and ultimately gain promotion to the Pepsi ICC WCL Division 3 which will be held next year in Bermuda from 28 April to 5 May 2013.
