Cricket Association of Nepal Holds Annual General Meeting in Biratnagar, Makes Six Decisions

Biratnagar. The annual general meeting of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) held in Biratnagar on Sunday made six different decisions. However, some officials and central members did not sign the attendance book during the decision-making process, according to a central member who attended.

CAN's central committee has 19 members, including 17 elected and 2 nominated. Earlier, Vice President Roshan Singh and 8 other central members had submitted a request to Secretary Paras Khadka demanding transparency in the accounts of the NPL. It is not clear how many of the 87 attendees signed the attendance book. However, sources claim that 9 people did not sign.

The general meeting has put forward new plans to strengthen grassroots cricket and encourage players. The association has decided to channel the income received from the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) to all 45 district cricket associations across the country.

Accordingly, each district association will receive financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each. In addition, the association has adopted a policy of providing additional 'Score Card Grant' based on the effectiveness of cricket activities and programs conducted by the districts.

To honor and encourage players, CAN has announced the organization of 'CAN Annual Awards' every December starting this year. In this award ceremony, awards will be given in categories such as outstanding male and female player of the year, outstanding young player (male and female), lifetime achievement award, and moment of the year.

The general meeting passed the annual audit report for the fiscal year 2081/082, as well as the income and expenditure statements for the first and second editions of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League. Similarly, the assembly also approved the association's annual program, action plan, and budget for 2026.

The statement issued by spokesperson Chumbi Lama mentions that the central working committee has been given full authority to adjust and implement any further programs received from the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in the annual budget and programs. The general meeting was attended by CAN's central officials, representatives from all seven provinces and various district associations, player representatives, and personalities associated with cricket.

Meanwhile, amidst the controversy arising after the Ministry of Youth and Sports prepared to initiate action against the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Secretary Paras Khadka claimed that the organization's accounts are transparent.

Talking to media persons after the inaugural session of CAN's annual general meeting held in Biratnagar, Khadka said that confusion was being deliberately spread regarding CAN and the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

The ministry has directed the National Sports Council (NSC) to take action against CAN for not providing the financial details and documents requested by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority. Accusing CAN of ignoring repeated correspondence, the ministry has warned of suspending CAN if a satisfactory response is not received.

Regarding this matter, Secretary Khadka said, 'The tendency to file anonymous complaints with the CIAA and spread confusion as soon as one dislikes the organization's work has become dominant. Members who want to see the accounts can come to the office and see the documents, but there is no provision for sending confidential documents of the organization haphazardly via email.' He clarified that there is no need to panic as CAN has already submitted all necessary documents to the relevant bodies.

He claimed that there is no political interference within CAN and that the organization is moving forward unitedly. He emphasized that everyone should view the professionalism brought by the NPL to Nepali cricket positively.

Discussing cricket infrastructure, Khadka informed that efforts are underway to bring the Lower Mulpani ground under CAN's ownership and coordination is being done with the provincial government for the development of the Baijanathpur ground in Biratnagar. He stated that representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC) are inspecting the ground for hosting the Women's U-19 World Cup next year. He added that Nepal's main goal is to retain ODI status and become a full member (Test nation) of the ICC.