The 10th edition of the Twenty20 World Cup begins on Saturday with a match between Pakistan and the Netherlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Nepal, which is in Group C of the 20-nation tournament, will play strong rivals England on Sunday. This is Nepal's third participation in the World Cup.

Nepal has previously played the World Cup in 2014 and 2024. Nepal has shown that it is in good shape through its performance in the warm-up matches before the World Cup, which has increased its chances of making a strong impact in the competition. For Nepal, participating in the World Cup was once a big issue, and some sensational results are expected with its third participation. Every victory of the Nepali cricket team, which is expanding its strength by overcoming poor infrastructure and weak investment, will not only be related to this game. Rather, in the context of the shrinking areas of hope for Nepali society, every victory will motivate the society. It will fill its self-confidence.

Nepal is an associate country in cricket and is aiming to become a full member. Therefore, games with strong opponents are more important for Nepal. It builds a strong foundation to hone our capabilities and achieve mature results. Therefore, the ongoing World Cup gives us multifaceted benefits. Mainly, it gives the Nepali team more international recognition.

Players who perform well can get opportunities in big leagues. Players gain confidence after playing with strong teams. It ultimately contributes positively to the team's performance. Similarly, the success of the national team attracts the new generation to cricket. There are many players who were attracted to cricket after seeing Nepal play in the World Cup in 2014. This creates the basis for continuous generational change in the team. When the team brings mature and sensational results, it increases opportunities, prepares the new generation, and a strong foundation is also being prepared for domestic competitions.

Cricket is now a popular game in Nepal. The two editions of the NPL have confirmed that cricket will be a major economic activity in Nepal. Franchises have invested heavily in the team, players, coaches, etc. It has not only provided financial security to the players, but has also played a role in developing new players. Similarly, it has also created opportunities/obligations for infrastructure development in cricket.

For example, before the second edition of the NPL, floodlights were installed at the Tribhuvan University ground and games were played in full light even at night. This is not the entire achievement, but as the atmosphere of the game grows, business houses are stepping forward to invest, the state is showing readiness in infrastructure construction, business activities are increasing, and spectators are also actively participating in contributing to the development of the game. Nepal's advanced performance in the World Cup will definitely contribute to the economic and infrastructural development of Nepali cricket. 

Nepali cricket's efforts so far have taken it to a certain level. But this is not enough. To realize Nepal's goal of becoming a full member of the 'International Cricket Council', a lot of investment should be made in physical infrastructure. Small and large grounds should be built. Tournaments should be organized from the grassroots level. Due to the one-day recognition, Nepal has had the opportunity to play with various countries in the last few years. It has become easier to keep players busy.

NPL has made a great contribution to the financial security of players. It has played a role in increasing the atmosphere of cricket. However, the more competitions are held from the ground up, the more training opportunities are provided, the more influential players will be identified and developed. That will contribute to the all-round development of Nepali cricket. It is time to increase investment in cricket. For this, the state and private sector should take the lead. Which will give rewards to all parties after some time.

At this time, state investment is also necessary in other sports. Once upon a time, men's football was also popular in Nepal. There were leagues. No matter what the success or failure, the Nepali football sector was always in flux. The love of the audience was great. There are many incidents of spectators not getting tickets for competitions held at Dasharath Stadium. There are also examples of spectators entering more than the capacity. But today Nepali football is almost dead.

Because there is no league. Players have no career and financial security, which is why they have to go abroad for employment. Be it the state or football-related organizations, they have no plan for the development of football. The organizations have already collapsed due to partisanship and dirty political practices. The production of new players, the interest of the audience, the financial potential, and the training are all weakening. In such an environment, the development of football is not possible. Therefore, if football is to be given a new lease of life, a strong determination for improvement of weaknesses and miraculous development is indispensable.