Indian national Mrugng (Monty) Desai has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Nepal National men’s cricket team on Monday.
Desai, who had already joined the National closed camp for the preparation of the home Tri-series against Namibia and Scotland was awaiting the approval of the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Council.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) made an announcement via social media on Monday after the decision came from the governing body in Nepal.
Mrugng (Monty) Desai, a very experienced high performance coach from India, has been appointed as the head coach of the Nepal National Cricket Team. pic.twitter.com/oEHBQ69yQn
— CAN (@CricketNep) February 6, 2023
“Desai, a very experienced high-performance coach from India, has been appointed as the head coach of Nepal,” said a statement published by CAN.
On his appointment as a Head Coach of Nepal, Desai is excited and said, “It is with honour and excitement that I have accepted the position as Head Coach for the Cricket Association of Nepal. My relationship with Nepal began in 2012, and since that time, I have had the pleasure of following their journey, collaborating with them on special projects, and even previously coaching in another capacity. There are many reasons I have remained engaged with past, present, and aspiring cricketers, CAN, and the country at large. I believe that in many ways Nepal is cricket’s best kept secret, with a long and rich story still untold.”
“My prior experiences with Nepal, as well as the other associate countries with whom I have been involved, make me acutely aware of the responsibilities that I carry in this lead role and those responsibilities hand on the hopes of an entire, deeply committed, cricket-loving, nation! “People, places, and passion with purpose” is my driving force today, and I am excited to take on the challenges ahead.”
“There is an air of unbridled possibility that I can already feel, and I am prepared to help Nepal write this next chapter in their legacy. This is the first time to come together as a united front to hone long-term and sustainable strategies on which the future of Nepali cricket can be built. Generations to come will tell the story we write together, a story we all can be proud of! Jai Nepal!,” concluded Desai.
Desai has good knowledge of Nepali cricket, having worked as worked with the Nepal national team for the 2015 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers. He also worked as the batting consultant of Nepal’s U-19 side for the ACC U-19 Eastern Region cricket tournament back in 2017.
Prior to this, Desai had worked with Afghanistan, Canada, UAE and West Indies. He has also been involved in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions.
A total of 24 candidates applied following a call for application by the CAN for the post of the national coach of the Nepali national cricket team.
Desai has replaced fellow Indian Manoj Prabhakar, who resigned as the head coach last year.
The new head coach’s first task will be the home triangular one-day series under the ICC World Cup Cricket League 2, starting February 14.
