As the deadline approaches in the Nepali month of Baisakh next year, the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has yet to complete its renewal process, despite its term having expired last Ashar over 10 months ago. The National Sports Council has confirmed that CAN has not submitted any application for renewal. Meanwhile, CAN has decided to hold its general assembly for the first time in 19 months on Baisakh 27 and 28.
As of Baisakh 24 in Kathmandu, the Nepal Cricket Association, recognized as one of the most active sports bodies in Nepal, has played a significant role in bringing international success to Nepali cricket and has often been praised for its efforts. The government has also prioritized the association. However, despite its rapid growth and activity, more than 10 months have passed since the association’s term expired, and the renewal process remains incomplete.
The membership term, which expired last Ashar, has yet to be renewed as the next Baisakh approaches. Chandrakumar Rai, head of the Association Coordination Division at the National Sports Council, clarified that CAN has not yet submitted any renewal application. “CAN has not applied for renewal so far,” he said. According to the National Sports Development Act, sports associations are required to renew their membership annually. However, CAN has not completed the necessary procedures even as the fiscal year nears its end.
When asked about renewal, CAN spokesperson Chumbi Lama abruptly ended the call after saying, “Renewal must have been done; I will check and get back to you.” Meanwhile, Ramcharitra Mehta, member secretary of the Sports Development and Control Board (RAHEP), stated, “Renewal is mandatory, and there should be inquiries why it has not been done,” adding, “We will correspond with the association for this purpose.” CAN last renewed its membership on Poush 9, 2081, covering the period until Ashad, 2082.
After 19 months, CAN has planned to hold its general assembly on Baisakh 27 and 28. For renewal, the association must present annual reports, statutes, future plans, audit reports, and documents from at least one national-level competition. CAN members have indicated that the lack of audit documents has hindered the renewal process. Despite repeated requests from a team led by Vice-Chairman Roshan Singh, the required documents have not been made available. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Youth and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel and Education Minister visited Tripureshwor Cricket Ground near the end of the Nepal vs Oman match.
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) second edition, held last Mangsir, generated over NPR 473.6 million in revenue for CAN. Although CAN has conducted business worth crores annually, its renewal process remains incomplete. Regarding this issue, a team led by Vice-Chairman Roshan Singh submitted an application to RAHEP on Monday. They demanded the submission of financial and administrative documents related to the first and second NPL seasons, an independent, impartial, and high-level inquiry committee under RAHEP’s direct oversight, and the implementation of governance, monitoring, and accountability systems.
The application emphasized the need to establish good governance within the Nepal Cricket Association, highlighting the leadership’s failure concerning annual auditing, renewal, and tax clearance.
