Cricket Association of Nepal Officials Under Investigation for Financial Irregularities

Kathmandu. The National Sports Council (NSC) has started an investigation into the serious financial and administrative irregularities alleged against the officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

The NSC has sent a letter to CAN directing it to submit a satisfactory response and relevant documents within 5 days. The NSC has taken this step following a directive from the Ministry of Youth and Sports based on a complaint filed with the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

What are the allegations?

The clarification sought by the NSC from CAN raises 11 serious questions.

Misuse of vehicles: The chairman rented his own car to CAN and took fuel and driver expenses from the association, and also claimed daily allowances while traveling by air despite having a car.

Financial embezzlement: Bills for snacks at a restaurant in Anamnagar were paid in the name of CAN, commissions were taken from suppliers, and money was embezzled by creating inflated bills for flex printing.

Irregularities in foreign travel: The chairman and treasurer made excessive foreign trips, took wives and unrelated individuals on trips at the association's expense, and gained financial benefits from the World Cup.

Embezzlement of funds: Accounts of funds collected during the US trip and sales of jerseys and tickets have not been submitted to the association.

Favoritism in appointments: Individuals from his own district were appointed as employees based on favoritism rather than merit, and the private secretary was made to campaign for the party.

Violation of bylaws: Individuals who violated the bylaws participated in the general assembly, increasing expenses.

Disability allowance dispute: The chairman falsely claimed disability and received government pension while remaining active in politics, among other 11 points for which clarification has been sought.

Earlier, on May 15, the Ministry of Youth and Sports had expressed dissatisfaction with the NSC in a letter, stating that the investigation was slow. The NSC has finally become active after the ministry pressured it to proceed with action against CAN. The ministry had directed to seek clarification on May 4, which was registered at the NSC on May 13.

Based on the complaint filed with the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Ministry of Youth and Sports had directed the NSC to investigate and submit a report within 10 days. The ministry had previously warned the NSC about the delay in investigation. To implement the ministry's directive, the NSC has sought necessary details from CAN.

Now, the NSC has corresponded with CAN, asking it to submit factual details and certified documents on all these matters within 5 days.