Friday 19th April 2024
Nepal Cricket Captain Paras Khadka stepped down from his position on October 15, 2019, ending a decade-long cricket career.
Khadka was the longest-serving cricket captain for Nepal until date.
The Nepal cricket captain had earlier announced his decision through his Twitter handle, after he expressed his happiness on CAN’s reinstatement.
“Great to know that the suspension of Nepal cricket has been lifted and would like to wish the new committee to work for the betterment of Nepal cricket, players and its stake holders. I have hereby decided to resign from my post as the captain of Nepal cricket team. Jai Nepal !!,” read Khadka’s tweet.
Great to know that the suspension of Nepal cricket has been lifted and would like to wish the new committee to work for the betterment of Nepal cricket,players and its stake holders.
I have hereby decided to resign from my post as the captain of Nepal cricket team.
Jai Nepal !! pic.twitter.com/YuRBZkR7bU— Paras Khadka (@paras77) October 15, 2019
He also talked about his decision to media persons at the Women’s Champions League trophy unveiling ceremony on October 15, 2019.
“It was not a decision taken overnight. But it was not a difficult one. I wanted to leave on a high. It was my decision. I feel it is the right time. I am very satisfied with my stint,” he said.
Khadka was waiting for CAN’s reinstatement to announce his resignation.
“I firmly believe the current setup deserves a new leadership group. Everybody has to start afresh – players and administrators. It is a new challenge for us all. Let’s hope everyone will fulfill their respective responsibilities in future to take Nepali cricket forward,” Khadka said.
A positive Khadka said that he has taken Nepal Cricket as far as possible and that now he wishes to take a break from the game for some time.
“I would like to take a break. I feel relieved. I had loads of things to do in the last few years. It’s about time I took some time away. Cricket has made my identity. As long as I live, I will continue to help Nepali cricket,” he said.
Khadka identifies Nepal’s ODI Status as his career’s biggest achievement and the ICC World T20 Tournament as a memorable event in his stint. Nevertheless, the captain regrets every loss Nepal underwent in his captaincy.
“Where Nepali cricket is despite all the odds feels sometimes like a dream. I think the players were honest and they sacrificed selflessly to attain this height. However, CAN will have to take steps to secure a future as well for the cricketers,” Khadka remarked.
During his address, the cricket captain fondly remembered all the Nepal cricket coaches he had worked with – Roy Dias, Pubudu Dassanayake and Umesh Patwal and credited them for Nepal cricket’s success.
“We were blessed to have coaches like Roy Dias, Pubudu Dassanayake, Umesh Patwal, along with local coach Jagat Tamata. The clarity of vision, energy and similar mentality among players and coaches helped us come this far,” said Paras Khadka.
When asked about future prospects of working with CAN, Khadka said that he was hopeful of leading CAN in the future but he first wants to work off-field as an administrator for Nepal cricket’s development.
On an ending note, Khadka said that Nepal cricket will not end with his captaincy and with many promising young players in the team, the game is bound to grow. However, their ability to conquer the world will depend on the training and mentoring they receive.
Talking about the new captaincy he said, “Electing a new captain is not my decision. It’s up to the governing body. In my honest opinion, Gyanendra Malla should be given the reigns for a year to groom a new young captain who will eventually take Nepali cricket forward. In the end, whoever it might be, Nepali cricket should develop further through everyone’s collective efforts.”
Khadka is considered as a revolutionary who changed the scenario of Nepal cricket and has earned respect internationally and nationally for the same.
After Captain Khadka announced his resignation, Nepal’s ace spin-bowler Lamichhane also took to Twitter to praise his captain’s contribution to the team and his achievements over the years.
“Starting the journey under your captainship, we’ve reached places Nepal cricket had never been able to. You’ve inspired so many youths including me in the past years and given us all more reason to love this beautiful game. Best wishes for your future endeavors,” wrote Lamichhane.
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) October 15, 2019
“and we’d all love to see you representing Nepal for as many years as possible! You are truly a legend that has made a huge mark on all of our hearts, Here’s to you Captain! The Legend Daju” he added.
