Photo credit, CAN
Following Monday’s cabinet meeting, the government has decided to extend the lease period of the Kirtipur International Cricket Stadium, currently operated by the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) under lease from Tribhuvan University. This was announced by government spokesperson and Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmita Pokharel.
The recent upgrade of the stadium, including the installation of floodlights, led to ambiguity among many about the future of this Tribhuvan University facility.
The stadium, located within Tribhuvan University, encompasses an area of 76 ropani (approximately 3.9 hectares).
Tribhuvan University had issued a notice, based on the findings of a land investigation committee, calling for the return of illegally encroached lands, and issued ultimatums to 18 affiliated organizations, including CAN.
Lease Renewal
Photo credit, CAN
Spokesperson for the Nepal Cricket Association, Chhumvee Lama, stated that the lease agreement for the country’s only cricket stadium is expected to be renewed soon.
He explained that the nature of use and structure of other associations within the Tribhuvan University campus differ significantly from that of the Kirtipur Cricket Stadium.
“This is not just about the stadium alone; it is tied to the nation, the players, and includes government investment. Overall, it is an asset dedicated to the country’s sports sector,” he said.
The lease agreement between the Nepal Cricket Association and Tribhuvan University for the cricket ground was for 25 years and is set to expire at the end of the Nepali month of Baishakh.
The renewal process began last year, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports facilitated discussions through the National Sports Council (Rakhap) with Tribhuvan University officials.
Tribhuvan University has reportedly hesitated to renew the lease due to difficulties experienced during sporting events held on campus.
Notably, lengthy cricket competitions on the Kirtipur grounds affected academic activities at the university, causing frustration among students and faculty who faced challenges commuting during events.
Photo credit, CAN
Policy Development Needed, Says Tribhuvan University
Dr. Dipendra Parajuli, Director of the Directorate of Student Welfare and Sports at Tribhuvan University, confirmed that a 35-day notice was issued to all campus associations, including the Kirtipur Cricket Stadium, to vacate university land.
Regarding the stadium, he stated, “A policy is necessary to find a solution. Policy formulation is possible because there are bigger issues here than just the stadium. However, if any structures need to be removed in the future, this notice clears the way for that.”
He also dismissed rumors circulating on social media about demolishing the stadium, stating these are merely falsehoods. The stadium is university property and will not be dismantled.
Meanwhile, the Nepal government has invested millions in developing the Kirtipur Cricket Ground into a proper stadium and has prioritized it again in the upcoming fiscal budget.
Government Investment Details
Photo credit, CAN
The government recently spent nearly one billion Nepalese rupees to upgrade the Kirtipur stadium with a 10,000-seat parapet and floodlight installation.
The Ministry of Urban Development incurred costs of 437.7 million rupees for the parapet and 421.9 million rupees for the floodlight installation.
During Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s tenure, the Kirtipur stadium project was approved and designated as a national priority for the coming year’s budget.
Following this, approval was granted to call for tenders and proceed with procurement for the remaining construction work as per the master plan.
CAN has plans for further upgrades including developing VIP rooms, players’ restrooms, changing rooms, and media boxes in the coming year.
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