Pokhara to have int’l cricket stadium

ekantipur, 15-Feb-09
ISHWORI NEUPANE

Pokhara is set to host the first international cricket venue outside Kathmandu. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) President Binay Raj Pandey and Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) Development Executive Bandula Warnapura made the announcement here on Sunday.

CAN will invest Rs. 1 million required to prepare the pitch at Pokhara Stadium. The project will be supervised by Kaski District Cricket Association.

“We chose Pokhara over other venues because of its natural beauty and the facilities it has on offer for tourists,” said Pandey, explaining CAN's decision to set aside international cricket facilities at the stadium. “We will release more funds once the current amount is spent.”

He said the construction of the stadium would be carried out in various phases, starting with the pitch. “We are aiming to complete overall construction within two years,” Pandey said. “CAN’s lone effort is not sufficient and we urge the government and the private sector to help put together the resources.”

According to him, Kathmandu and Pokhara will have international stadiums while Biratnagar, Birgunj, Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa will become regional venues. He claimed Nepal’s aim of playing in the 2015 World Cup depended on the completion of these venues. “Kirtipur right now is the only international ground in the country,” said Pandey.