Paras Khadka steps down as Nepal cricket captain
KATHMANDU, Oct 15: Cricketer Paras Khadka has announced he has stepped down as the captain of the Nepal national team.
The 31-year-old all-rounder said he resigned as the cricket captain for “a fresh beginning”.
His surprise resignation comes a day after the International Cricket Council readmitted Nepal as its members on a conditional basis, after three years of suspension by the ICC citing the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) breached ICC regulations which prohibit government interference and require a free and fair election.
“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 stakeholders,” wrote Khadka on his Facebook page.
“I have hereby decided to resign from my post as the captain of Nepal cricket team as there has to be a new way of taking things forward with a fresh start and a committed vision with everyone involved.”
“Would like to thank all the players, coaches, umpires, groundsmen, friends, and my family who have helped me throughout this incredible journey.”
The longest-serving captain Khadka has been leading the Nepali cricket team for the past ten years.
Under his captaincy, Nepal obtained the one-day international status for the first time in June 2018. Nepal also made its maiden appearance in the T20 World Cup in 2014 held in Bangladesh.
He made his debut for Nepal against Malaysia in April 2004.
Under his captaincy, Nepal obtained the one-day international status for the first time in June 2018. Nepal also made its maiden appearance in the T20 World Cup in 2014 held in Bangladesh.
Khadka was the sixth Nepal cricketer to score an international century (106 off 77 balls) during the 2012 ACC Trophy Elite against Kuwait.
He became the first Nepali batsman to score a century in an ODI match in January this year. He was also the first batsman from Nepal to score a century in the T20 International match in September.
Nepal won the 2010 ICC World Cricket League Division Five in Nepal, 2012 ICC World Cricket League Division Four in Malaysia, 2012 ACC Trophy Elite in UAE, 2013 ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Bermuda, 2014 ICC World Cricket League Division Three in Malaysia under Khadka’s captaincy.