Tuesday 30th April 2024
Exciting news for Nepali cricket lovers!
ICC has finally given its nod for the Nepal’s big-budget Twenty 20 cricket tournament, the Everest Premier League (EPL) 2018.
Putting an end to EPL 2018 organizers’ months-long wait, the international cricket body gave its approval for holding EPL 2018 that has been scheduled for December 8-22, 2018 at the Tribhuvan University Stadium.
With this approval, EPL 2018 is set to invite international cricketers in its tournament.
ICC has already forwarded the proposal to member countries and global cricketers participating in the tournament are yet to get ‘No Objection’ from their respective countries’ associations.
So far, the EPL board has confirmed the participation of Middlesex’s English wicketkeeper-batsman John Simpson, United Arab Emirates fast-bowler Muhammad Naveed, Hong Kong Skipper Babar Hayat, among others in the upcoming marquee event, besides already-announced cricket stars: Zimbabwean Test player Sikandar Raza and UAE Cricket Team Captain Rohan Mustafa.
“ICC has granted the approval bearing in mind the unique circumstances that currently exist in Nepal and because the league is in the interests of cricket in Nepal and the Nepalese players in particular,” says Clive Hitchcock, ICC Representative at EPL Pvt Ltd.
“This is great news not just for EPL but also for the millions of fans and we are sure that with the support of ICC, EPL will reach greater heights,” says Amir Akhtar, EPL Managing Director.
“EPL would like to thank the fans, players, media and all stakeholders for their continued support. Let’s all work on making this tournament grander,” Akhtar added promising of presenting EPL in the international standards.
The latest decision comes in line with ICC’s new regulations rules, which mandate it to give approval for domestic tournament in a country with cricket board under suspension.
Getting this approval costed USD 20,000 for EPL organizers and ICC extended its commitment to use this sanctioning fee solely for the development of Nepali Cricket.
ICC had earlier suspended Nepal’s cricket administration, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), citing ‘government interference and unfair elections.
EPL 2018 is Nepal’s city-based franchise Twenty20 cricket tournament.
World cricket has taken a different turn in recent times with the change of rules by ICC governing body, enabling more opportunities for the potential cricket-playing nations across the world.
Especially for Nepal, winning of ODI status and recent Pokhara Premier League (PPL) 2018, among other previous cricket events are giving a new ray of hope for the country and its talented cricketers to come to lime-light.
