In a proud moment for Nepali cricket, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has been named the Global Winner for Digital Fan Engagement at the ICC Development Awards 2024, further cementing Nepal's growing influence on the international cricketing stage.
The prestigious recognition celebrates CAN's strategic and data-driven efforts to elevate fan engagement across digital platforms, setting new benchmarks among Associate Nations. With a calculated expansion across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and the newly launched CAN Domestic account, Nepal’s cricket body recorded a total reach of over 117 million, alongside a surge of more than 420,000 new followers in the last year.
Among the remarkable statistics:
- Facebook (CAN Official) saw a doubling of video minutes viewed to over 13.4 million.
- The new CAN Domestic account alone logged over 4.4 million minutes viewed, highlighting the growing interest in domestic cricket.
- YouTube watch time skyrocketed by 277%, surpassing 2.13 million hours.
- Instagram reels and videos amassed over 40 million views, showcasing live match moments, behind-the-scenes content, and player highlights that captivated both loyal fans and new audiences.
This global win comes as Nepal continues to experience a cricketing renaissance, with stadiums filled to capacity, a surge in merchandise sales, and increasing interest from international media and sponsors.
Speaking about the achievement, CAN officials expressed pride in the team's digital strategy and the passionate fanbase that fuels Nepali cricket’s rise. "This award is for every cricket fan in Nepal who clicks, shares, and cheers. It reflects our collective love for the game," a CAN spokesperson said.
The recognition places Nepal alongside cricketing programs from Namibia, USA, Scotland, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Tanzania, who were also honoured across various categories for their outstanding contributions to the game’s development.
With the ICC acknowledging CAN's digital growth and fan-first approach, Nepal is not only making waves on the field but also leading the way in how cricket is consumed, celebrated, and shared in the digital age.
As the world takes notice, this milestone is yet another sign that Nepali cricket is no longer just a rising force—it's here to stay.
