Stuart Law: "We’re not going to the World Cup just to participate - Nepal must compete with pride"

Nepal men's national cricket team head coach Stuart Law has delivered a confident and ambitious message ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, insisting Nepal must aim to compete with pride rather than simply participate.

Speaking in the YouTube interview ON Record with S Law, the former Australian cricketer praised the dedication of the Nepali players and highlighted how the squad is building both physical readiness and mental belief before stepping onto cricket's biggest stage.

"Their professionalism is outstanding"

Law expressed strong admiration for how Nepal’s players approach their cricket - not just in match situations but also in everyday preparation.

He praised their discipline in training routines, gym sessions, and overall mindset, saying the players are deeply committed to representing Nepal with pride.

"These boys are very passionate about playing for their country… the way they practice, the way they go to the gym - their professionalism is outstanding."

World Cups: rare moments, priceless opportunities

Law described World Cups as rare experiences that not every cricketer gets to enjoy, calling them special opportunities to test skills against the best and learn from top-level opponents.

He also said the T20 World Cup environment is unique due to the closeness of teams, creating what he called a "cricket family" atmosphere.

"World Cups are special… it’s a great opportunity to test your skills… and mix with some of the best players in the world."

Selection pressure shows Nepal's growing depth

While discussing the final 15-player squad, Law admitted selection was difficult, noting that several talented players missed out narrowly — a sign of Nepal’s improving depth.

He believes the combination of continuity and fresh additions will keep the squad sharp and hungry.

"There's some very disappointed players who didn’t get selected… but there’s some very good cricketers on the fringe.”

"We don't want to make up the numbers"

Perhaps Law's clearest message was about ambition. He said Nepal must arrive at the World Cup with the mentality to compete against every opponent.

While he remained realistic about how challenging the tournament will be, he stressed that Nepal must chase the dream and aim to trouble bigger teams.

"I don’t want us to be turning up and making up the numbers. I want us to compete."

Law added that if Nepal can hold key moments under pressure, upsets are possible.

"If we get in the right position and we’re able to grab those moments… we can upset some big teams."

Plan A, Plan B, Plan C - and keeping the fun alive

Law credited Nepal's recent progress to increasing belief and improved tactical clarity. He said the team has worked on game plans and backup strategies while staying true to a style that fits Nepal’s strengths.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of playing with joy - something he believes fuels the best performances.

"We started playing cricket because it was fun… that shouldn’t be lost."

Nepal's T20 evolution: not just sixes, but smart cricket

Law also highlighted a key transformation in Nepal’s approach to T20 cricket. He explained that the team has moved away from being obsessed with hitting sixes and is now focusing on balanced cricket — posting defendable totals and fighting hard with ball and in the field.

He said Nepal's qualifiers showcased that new identity clearly.

"We didn’t try and hit sixes… we put a good score on the board and defended with our life… they are fighters."

Fitness camp and workload building

Nepal's preparation has included a two-and-a-half-week fitness camp, and Law said the current phase is about raising workloads - especially for bowlers — before technical fine-tuning begins in Sri Lanka and India.

He praised the players' discipline off the field too, especially diet, gym work, and running routines.

"The way they worry about their diet… gym sessions… running sessions… it’s a dream actually to work with these boys."

Mumbai’s Wankhede: "The Lord’s of India"

All of Nepal's World Cup matches are expected to be played in Mumbai, and Law called it a huge experience for the team.

He described the Wankhede Stadium as a historic venue with passionate crowds, adding that the conditions in Mumbai will be different — faster pitches with good bounce - which will test Nepal’s adaptability.

"Playing in Mumbai is unbelievable… I call it the Lord’s of India."

The identity Law wants: aggressive, feisty, never quit

Law summed up the character he wants to see from his side: fearless, combative, and mentally tough.

"Feisty, aggressive… never give up… even when the back’s against the wall, find a way."

Fans: bring noise, but also patience

Law welcomed travelling Nepali fans and encouraged them to bring a home-like vibe to stadiums, even urging them to make life difficult for opponents.

However, he also asked supporters to remain patient, reminding everyone that success is built step by step.

"You don’t build a house… you build it brick by brick."

With confidence rising and preparation progressing, Nepal enter the T20 World Cup aiming to play bold cricket - with joy, pride, and fight, exactly the identity their coach believes can create big moments on the world stage.

Watch the full interview