KATHMANDU, April 9: After years in the shadows of men’s cricket, Nepal’s women’s team has finally received a major lift, with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) allocating a dedicated budget of USD 500,000 (around Rs 74 million).
The decision, endorsed by CAN’s central working committee on Monday, sets aside part of the grant from the International Cricket Council (ICC) exclusively for women’s cricket—marking a significant shift from the past practice of a shared budget that left the women’s game underfunded.
Calling it a landmark move, CAN officials said the investment will go beyond allowances, focusing on grassroots development and long-term player production. According to CAN Spokesperson Chhumbi Lama, the funds will support tournaments across age groups, structured training programs, and infrastructure development at district and provincial levels.
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“We have introduced a separate budget to strengthen women’s cricket in the long run,” Lama said. “This will allow us to reach villages, districts and provinces with a new approach. We aim to continue this every year.”
The budget will also cover player welfare initiatives and the procurement of essential cricket equipment.
Women’s cricket in Nepal, which began its institutional journey in 2003 and entered international competitions in 2007, has long struggled with limited funding, irregular domestic competitions, and a lack of basic infrastructure—from grounds to fitness facilities. Many players have had to rely largely on personal determination and family support to stay in the game.
Yet, despite these challenges, the national team has shown promise. The senior side reached the World Cup global qualifiers, while the U-19 team made history by featuring in the 2023 World Cup. The recent appointment of the team’s first-ever foreign coach has added to the sense of momentum.
Former players have welcomed the decision, expressing hope that it will prevent talented cricketers from dropping out due to financial constraints and lack of exposure.
Former vice-captain Mamata Thapa described the move as overdue but transformative. “This decision was needed much earlier, but it is a very important step even now,” she said. “It will give players the confidence to pursue cricket as a career. When we played, there were no such policies. This is a great beginning for the new generation.”
However, challenges remain. Ensuring effective implementation and providing consistent international exposure will be crucial going forward. While women’s cricket has gained some momentum in recent months, regular international fixtures are still lacking.
Maintaining year-round activity and exposure for players will now be CAN’s key test. “This is just the beginning to keep women’s cricket active throughout the year,” Lama added.
