Nepal Cricket Team: Rise, Home Ground and Landmark Matches
An overview of the Nepal men’s cricket team, from ODI and T20I status to World Cup debuts, the Kirtipur ground and record-breaking T20 batting feats.
Nepal is one of the fastest-growing cricket nations in Asia. Passionate local support, a young population and sustained investment in grassroots programmes have turned the Himalayan country into a regular presence on the Associate circuit.
Status and structure
The national team is managed by the Cricket Association of Nepal and competes as an ICC Associate Member. After strong results in the ICC’s qualification pathway, Nepal gained one-day international status in 2018 and Twenty20 international status in 2019, which meant their matches against other eligible sides counted as official internationals.
Home ground
Nepal’s main international venue is the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, on the edge of Kathmandu. The ground has hosted a range of Associate tournaments and bilateral series, and its development has been central to the country’s plans to stage more international cricket at home.
Global tournaments
Nepal made its T20 World Cup debut in 2014 and also qualified for the 2024 edition in the Caribbean and the United States. In that tournament they pushed South Africa to the final delivery of the match before losing by a single run, a performance that attracted wide praise.
The team also made its Asia Cup debut in 2023, where the group included India and Pakistan, giving Nepal’s players a rare chance to face two of the sport’s biggest teams in the same event.
Record-breaking moments
At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Nepal’s batters set marks in a T20 international against Mongolia. Dipendra Singh Airee hit the fastest half-century in the format, off nine balls, and Kushal Malla struck the fastest T20I hundred, reaching three figures in 34 balls. Nepal also posted the highest total then recorded in men’s T20 internationals in that match.
Looking ahead
Nepal’s challenge is turning enthusiasm into consistency against full-member opposition, and securing more regular fixtures against stronger teams. The country’s league and school structures continue to expand, supporting the pipeline of players. This overview does not cover current squads, rankings or the latest results.
Frequently asked questions
When did Nepal get ODI and T20I status?
Nepal received one-day international status in 2018 and Twenty20 international status in 2019.
Has Nepal played in a T20 World Cup?
Yes. Nepal first appeared in 2014 and also took part in the 2024 tournament.
What T20 records did Nepal set at the 2023 Asian Games?
Dipendra Singh Airee hit the fastest T20I fifty off nine balls and Kushal Malla the fastest T20I century off 34 balls, both against Mongolia.