In a groundbreaking move, the West Indies ‘A’ team will embark on a historic tour of Nepal in April-May, marking the first time a West Indian side will visit the Himalayan nation. This highly anticipated series, consisting of five T20 matches, serves as a crucial preparatory step for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be held in the Caribbean and the USA in June.
The five T20 matches will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with the first game scheduled for April 27, followed by matches on April 28, May 1, 2, and 4. All matches will commence at 1 pm local time, providing an opportunity for cricket enthusiasts in Nepal to witness international-level action on their home soil.
The West Indies ‘A’ team tour of Nepal is a testament to the growing importance of A-team cricket and the meticulous preparation being undertaken by the West Indies Cricket Board (CWI) for the upcoming T20 World Cup. According to Miles Bascombe, CWI’s director of cricket, this tour provides a final opportunity to assess potential candidates for the World Cup squad who are not participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“This A-team tour is another indication of the importance we are placing on A-team cricket and a significant phase in our preparations for the T20 World Cup,” Bascombe said. “It gives us a final opportunity to see many of the contenders for a place in the squad who are not participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Even for those players who do not make the final World Cup squad, they will be a part of the reserve pool.”
Bascombe emphasized the crucial role that reserve players played during the West Indies’ successful 2016 T20 World Cup campaign, highlighting the importance of having a well-prepared contingent ready to step in at any moment.
Expanding Cricket’s Reach and Fostering Growth
The West Indies ‘A’ team’s tour of Nepal is not just about cricketing preparations; it also carries the potential to expand the sport’s reach and foster its growth in the region. As Bascombe stated, “We also relish the opportunity to take the West Indies brand to Nepal for the first time, as cricket continues to grow in popularity there.”
Nepal’s cricket community is equally excited about this historic event, with Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) secretary Paras Khadka expressing gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity.
“We are humbled and excited with the prospect of the West Indies ‘A’ team touring Nepal,” Khadka said. “This marks a significant moment in our cricketing history as we embrace this wonderful opportunity bestowed upon us, which will help us prepare significantly for the T20 World Cup and beyond.”
Khadka acknowledged the pivotal role this tour could play in igniting future bilateral cricketing ties between Nepal and other top cricketing nations, further fueling the growth of the sport in the Himalayan nation.
A Rare Encounter on the International Stage
While the West Indies and Nepal have faced each other on the international stage before, their encounters have been few and far between. The only time the two teams have met was during an ODI match at the World Cup Qualifiers in Harare in June 2022, where the West Indies emerged victorious by a substantial margin of 101 runs after posting an impressive total of 339/7, thanks to centuries from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran.
As both teams gear up for the T20 World Cup, this bilateral series presents an invaluable opportunity for them to fine-tune their strategies, assess their strengths, and identify areas for improvement in the shortest format of the game.
West Indies Grouped with Formidable Opponents
In the upcoming T20 World Cup, the West Indies find themselves slotted in Group C, alongside formidable opponents such as Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. The tournament format features four groups of five teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Eights stage, where they will be split into two groups of four. The semi-finals and final will conclude the highly anticipated event in late June.
Estwick Appointed Nepal’s Bowling Consultant
In a related development, Roddy Estwick, a former Barbados fast bowler, has been appointed as the bowling consultant for the Nepali national team. Estwick brings valuable experience to the role, having previously worked as an assistant coach with the West Indies’ senior men’s and Under-19 sides.
With Estwick’s guidance and the invaluable exposure gained from the West Indies ‘A’ team tour, Nepal’s bowlers will undoubtedly benefit greatly, further enhancing their preparedness for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates this historic tour, fans in Nepal and the West Indies alike are set to witness an exciting exchange of cricketing prowess and cultural experiences. This series not only promises thrilling on-field action but also serves as a catalyst for the growth and development of the sport in both nations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the game’s global reach and inclusive spirit.
