Nepal Accelerates Construction of Three National Cricket Stadiums

Recently, Nepal has achieved continuous success in cricket. After securing ODI status by winning 11 out of 12 matches, Nepal played against strong teams like India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup. It qualified for the T20 World Cup after 10 years. Now Nepal aims to play the ODI World Cup and gain Test status. But so far, there is not a single fully equipped cricket stadium. Though many stadiums are under construction, work has been very slow. As such, the government has decided to construct three cricket stadiums - Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, Girija Prasad Koirala Cricket Stadium in Morang, and Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Chitwan - as projects of national pride. The cabinet meeting on Thursday approved including these three stadiums under national prestige projects to expedite their construction. According to Minister for Youth and Sports Digbahadur Limbu, all three stadiums will be ready within 3-4 years.

In the present situation, Mulpani and Morang stadiums come under the National Sports Council (NSC), but construction has been prolonged despite NSC oversight. The Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur, Chitwan started by the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation was abandoned midway. Two days before declaring it a national prestige project, the government had signed an agreement for the Chitwan Metropolis to invest 30% and Bagmati Province 70% for its construction.

In the case of Girija Prasad Koirala Cricket Stadium in Morang, which is spread over 15.5 Bigha of land in Ward No. 19 of Biratnagar Metropolis, a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared. The government had allocated NRs 3 crore in this fiscal year's budget for the DPR. According to NSC engineer Prabhat Baral, Pulchowk Engineering College is preparing the DPR. The government acquired this land in 2055 BS announcing plans for a multipurpose stadium in 2054 BS. Still, no significant work happened over the years except preparing a pitch for cricket matches during the 7th National Games. An initial government estimate puts the cost of constructing the Baijanathpur cricket stadium at NRs 2 billion.

Regarding Mulpani Cricket Stadium (Lower Ground), five blocks have been constructed so far at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium. According to NSC engineer Baral, the dressing room, VIP and VVIP blocks, and two regular pavilions are ready. The parking area will also be completed within one and a half months. Construction started on this stadium two decades ago, with the latest budget allocation of NRs 15 crores. There is another stadium in Mulpani itself under the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN). International ODI and T20I matches have already been held at the upper stadium adjoining CAN's central office. However, the facilities are not as good as the lower stadium.

Similarly, for Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Chitwan, the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation started constructing this stadium on 20.6 Bigha of land provided by the government in Bharatpur, Chitwan in 2075 BS (2018 AD). They collected donations in Nepal and abroad, and also organized a cricket tournament in Bharatpur for fundraising. Local governments, provincial governments, and federal governments had all pledged support. At the start of construction, tipper entrepreneurs even provided free gravel and sand. Celebrities and cricketers came to play cricket for entertainment. But later, the foundation stopped work on 15 Shrawan, 2078 (July 31, 2021) citing NRs 17 crores of debt and inability to raise more funds from donors. So far, around NRs 57.93 crore has been spent on stadium construction, out of which NRs 18.43 crore is the loan amount. After stopping work for a long time, weeds and shrubs have grown on the field. Rust has developed on the pillars meant for stands. Initially, the foundation had urged Bharatpur Metropolis to resume work but there were disputes over who would repay the loans.

Considering all facts, the National Sports Council (NSC) had recommended the government to declare cricket stadiums as national prestige projects to expedite work. NSC Member-Secretary Tanka Bahadur Thapa said they made the recommendation because construction was not happening smoothly due to budget issues. He further stated that it is a matter of pride for us that the stadiums are national prestige projects and will now get high priority in the state budget.