Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the inaugural T20 ‘A’ team tour of Nepal during the April-May window as part of both countries preparatory phase for the impending ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
This was confirmed by an official release from CWI. According to the correspondence, this maiden trek to Nepal will feature five T20 fixtures, which will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said, “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. 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).”
He further said, “Even for those players who do not make the final World Cup squad, they will be a part of the reserve pool. A hallmark of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaign was the ability of reserve players to come in and have an immediate impact, so we must be ready for all eventualities. 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.”
Meanwhile, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary, Paras Khadka, stated, “We are humbled and excited with the prospect of the West Indies ‘A’ team touring Nepal. 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.
He further said, “This historic tour to Nepal, a young cricketing nation slowly finding its pathway in the world of cricket, will excite our passionate fans. Our heartfelt gratitude to CWI for their support and belief in Nepal cricket and for continuing to help grow the game all over the world. We hope this will ignite more future tours and bilateral cricket tie-ups between us and other top cricketing nations as we march forward with great enthusiasm and appreciation.”
The West Indies have only played Nepal once on the international circuit. This occurred in a one-day international at the Harare Sports Club during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in 2023. The West Indies won by 101 runs.
West Indies ‘A’ Nepal Tour Schedule
Saturday 27th April- 1st ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 13:00h
Sunday 28th April- 2nd ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 13:00h
Wednesday 1st May- 3rd ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 13:00h
Thursday 2nd May- 4th ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 13:00h
Saturday 4th May- 5th ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 13:00h
