The International Cricket Council believes Nepal has the potential to become cricket’s next major Associate success story, citing the national team’s progress, an expanding player pool and the country’s passionate supporters.
ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta told Reuters that Nepal could follow a path similar to Afghanistan, who progressed from Associate cricket before gaining Test status in 2017.
"They could be tomorrow's Afghanistan, or tomorrow's New Zealand," Gupta said.
Gupta said Nepal had developed an elite group of players capable of progressing through ICC pathways, reaching major events and demonstrating that they belong on the global stage.
The ICC has invested nearly US$5 million in Nepal's cricket development over the past two years, according to Reuters. Nepal has also been selected to jointly host the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with Bangladesh.
Gupta identified Nepal's large and deeply committed fanbase as one of its greatest advantages. He highlighted the significant Nepalese turnout at Wankhede Stadium during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India.
Nepal defeated Scotland by seven wickets at that tournament to record their first victory at the global event since 2014. The team also produced competitive performances against England and South Africa.
Former Nepal captain and Cricket Association of Nepal secretary Paras Khadka said qualification for the 2014 T20 World Cup transformed the sport’s profile inside the country. Securing ODI status in 2018 further strengthened public belief in the national team.
Khadka also identified the Nepal Premier League as an important part of the country's next development phase. He said revenue generated by the competition had been reinvested in cricket.
The NPL has completed two seasons and attracted established international players, commercial partners and large crowds. Khadka believes continued growth could provide the financial stability required to expand development programmes and improve infrastructure.
CAN is also pursuing greater exposure for the national team through bilateral cricket against Test-playing nations.
Khadka said discussions were underway and expressed hope that those plans would materialise soon. He stressed that Nepal’s players need regular opportunities against stronger opposition to continue improving.
Nepal has expanded central contracts for male and female players, introduced red-ball competition and continued work on its cricket infrastructure.
Despite the sport’s rapid growth, Khadka said sustained on-field performance remained essential. Nepal’s popularity and commercial development, he argued, must be supported by consistent results.
Afghanistan’s progression from Associate cricket to Test status provides Nepal with a possible model. Khadka said Nepal would like to follow a similar journey while building a pathway suited to the country’s own cricketing structure.
