CricNepal- Pubudu Dassanayake returned to Nepal yesterday to an overwhelming reception by players and fans in the Tribhuwan International Airport. Players and fans had waited for hours in the airport for Dassnayake’s return and welcomed him with enthusiasm on his arrival. “I feel completely at home”, said Dassanayake acknowledging the fans, players and the journalist for the warm reception.
“The next four-five months are vital for Nepal cricket. Division 3 and Division 2 should be our prime concern”, Dassnayake said on his arrival.
With WCL Divsion 3 and Division 2 scheduled within next five months, this is perhaps one of the next few months will be most testing times for Nepal Cricket. If Nepal finish top 2 first in Div 3 and then in Div 2 Nepal will qualify for the WCL Championship and Intercontinental Cup.
WCL Championship and I-Cup will see the top 8 associates(Afghanistan, Ireland, UAE, Scotland, UAE, PNG and top 2 from Div-2) compete in One Day and First Class four day Cricket respectively for period of next 2 years.
Dassnayake’s who has spent last decade playing and coaching the associate sides knows most of Nepal’s opponents like back of him palm. His experience with the associates is one of Nepal’s biggest strength.
None of the Cricket Association of Nepal(CAN) members were present to receive Dassanayake in the airport.”I have not heard anything from CAN”, informed Dassanayake. “I accepted the invitation and contract from the Ministry of Sports, but I am not going to touch unless Ministry makes things clear”, he added.
Dassanayake told that he was here to Nepal Cricket to greater heights in World Cricket, but he could only work if the system allows him to.
