Nepali Pacer Nandan Yadav Calls ICC T20 World Cup Selection 'Fulfillment of a Lifelong Dream'

Kathmandu. Nepali national cricket team's fast bowler Nandan Yadav has stated that making it to the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup is akin to fulfilling the biggest dream of his life.

He mentioned that the journey from the initial days of playing cricket, when his family was unaware, to making the World Cup squad is a moment of great happiness for him.

In a video message released by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Wednesday, Yadav said that his dream of playing for the national team was ignited after watching the 2014 T20 World Cup. He stated that Sompal Kami's performance in that World Cup inspired him to become a fast bowler. "At that time, I wished I could play for Nepal someday; today, that dream is coming true," he said.

The news of his selection in the World Cup squad was also special for him. He only found out about his selection after his brother congratulated him on social media. "Before I knew it, my parents at home had already found out. Everyone was very happy; that moment can never be forgotten," he recalled that moment.

Stating that his initial cricket journey was challenging, he recalled staying at his maternal uncle's house in Pathlaiya and traveling to Hetauda for training. Calling his family his biggest source of inspiration, Nandan said that although he didn't tell them about cricket initially, he received full support and backing once they found out later.

He informed that the team's preparation for the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka starting next February, is going well. "We have already played on the red soil and bouncy pitches of India; this experience will also be helpful," he said. "The team is currently focusing on its fundamentals, and if we can do well in that, I am confident we will perform well."

Clarifying that the team's goal in the World Cup is victory, he stated that they are working hard to meet the expectations of the supporters. "The love and support given by Nepali cricket supporters wherever we go is incomparable," Yadav said. "When the country is facing difficult times, it is our responsibility to bring happiness to the faces of the supporters through cricket. We must give something back to the supporters who love us."