Aakash Chopra: "Outstanding" facilities, breathtaking cricket, and a league that can become Nepal's global identity

Former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has delivered a strong endorsement of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), calling his experience in Nepal "absolutely outstanding" and predicting the tournament could evolve into one of the country's most recognisable exports to the world.

Speaking during a ground-side interaction, Chopra said the love and warmth he received in Nepal stood out immediately, while the venue and match-day setup left a lasting impression.

Chopra described the ground as "beautiful" and the facilities as "outstanding," adding that the cricket on display has been "breathtaking at times." In his view, Nepal cricket's trajectory is clear and upward. He stressed that Nepal will “keep improving” and “keep progressing,” and went a step further by saying the NPL can become a defining part of Nepal's identity—something the entire country celebrates and takes pride in.

Asked whether Nepal could become South Asia's second-best team in the coming four to five years, Chopra responded with optimism, noting that while the IPL occupies a unique, top-tier position globally, the "second spot" in terms of regional league ecosystem remains open. He said there is a real possibility Nepal can outpace neighbouring leagues in quality over time, pointing to Nepal’s passion for the game and the growing comfort level for people to visit, work, and participate in the cricketing ecosystem in the country.

On the broader state of Nepali cricket, Chopra said the signs are encouraging and the direction is positive, while also acknowledging there is always room for improvement for an emerging cricket nation. He highlighted that as more money comes into the sport, facilities will improve further, and he specifically framed the NPL as a critical driver of that evolution—helping create world-class infrastructure, attracting domain experts, and bringing in quality players, allowing local talent to test itself “against the best in the world.”

When the discussion turned to the pathway for Nepali players into the IPL, Chopra suggested Nepal's talent base is "upcoming" and "growing", and he emphasised how exposure matters—especially for kids who get inspired when they can see star players close and personal. He also referenced Sandeep Lamichhane's IPL connection and reiterated the premium value of "mystery spinners" in T20 cricket, indicating that skill sets of that type remain highly sought after in elite leagues.

Chopra reserved special praise for Nepal's crowds, saying he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout and energy, even on afternoons and in matches that could be considered "dead rubbers." He said fans still showed up even when it looked like a result was drifting one way, and described Nepal's passion for cricket as "unparalleled," adding that it was a major reason he wanted to visit in the first place—and that what he saw on the ground only validated his belief about the country’s love for the game.

Beyond cricket, Chopra said he plans to take back only happy memories and encouraged people to visit Nepal, expressing a desire to return and explore more of the country beyond Kathmandu, including the mountains, potentially with his family. He also addressed whether Indian players could be convinced to participate in leagues outside India, explaining that active Indian cricketers currently are not permitted to play in other leagues, though retired players can and do take part.

Finally, on whether the World Cup could open doors for Nepali players to secure IPL opportunities, Chopra noted that IPL scouting is extensive and closely monitors talent across the globe. He suggested strong World Cup performances can put players in the headlines and potentially help them earn contracts in the future, while also clarifying that immediate timing and selection windows may not always align with the very next IPL season.

In his closing tone, Chopra underlined the same theme that ran throughout his remarks: Nepal's future is bright, and the NPL can play a central role in pushing that progress forward.