According to reports, the ICC has granted permission to host the League 2 triangular One Day International (ODI) series between Nepal, Canada, and Oman, scheduled to begin on October 9, in Oman. Despite discussions to relocate the series due to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, Canada’s The Toronto Sun has confirmed the ICC’s final approval to hold the series in Oman. Canada has announced a 24-member preliminary squad and is set to commence a three-week training camp. This League 2 series holds significant importance for Oman, Canada, and Nepal in the overall standings. Kathmandu, September 16.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is poised to conduct the upcoming tri-nation ODI series among Nepal, Canada, and Oman next month as part of the Cricket World Cup League 2. While there had been speculation about moving the series elsewhere due to escalating security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, the ICC has ultimately endorsed Oman as the host venue, as reported by Canada’s The Toronto Sun. The series will start on October 9, with Canada preparing by naming a 24-man preliminary squad and organizing a three-week training camp.
This series is crucial for all three teams’ positions in the League 2 points table. Currently, Oman stands fourth with 31 points from 28 matches, Canada is sixth with 25 points from 32 matches, and Nepal sits seventh with 24 points from 32 matches. The Nepalese team, having won the ACC Premier Cup and thereby qualifying for the Asia Cup, has recently shifted focus briefly towards the Asian Games before returning their attention to the 50-over League 2 campaign. The ICC is yet to release the detailed match schedule for the series to be held in Oman.
Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the Arab League, has strongly condemned the attempted drone attack in Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest sites located near Saudi Arabia. He denounced the drone attack, reportedly carried out by Yemeni Houthi rebels targeting the city of Mecca. In a statement, Secretary-General Fahmy emphasized that the security of Mecca and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites are “extremely serious matters.”
Fahmy praised the Saudi Air Force for successfully thwarting the attack attempt. He warned that the ongoing assaults by Houthi rebels on Saudi territory pose a threat to regional security and stability. Over the past few weeks, the Arab League has repeatedly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, raising awareness about their potentially adverse effects on regional peace. Meanwhile, spokespeople for the Houthi rebels have denied any involvement in the drone attack.
India’s leading spinner Varun Chakravarthy will miss both the only T20 international against Japan and the Asian Games 2026 due to injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has included leg-spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam in the national squad for the first time as Varun’s replacement. India will advance directly to the quarterfinals in the Asian Games and could face Nepal if the latter finishes second in their group.
India had announced the team for the Asian Games earlier in May. However, after Varun sustained a side strain during the first T20 match against Afghanistan in Delhi, he was withdrawn from the final squad. The BCCI has given 24-year-old Vipraj Nigam his maiden call-up to the national team.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been removed from the Asian Games squad and assigned to the ODI series against West Indies. Vipraj Nigam earned recognition following his outstanding performance for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, where he took 11 wickets and contributed valuable runs across 14 matches. He also impressed in the India ‘A’ one-day triangular series in Sri Lanka this year, claiming seven wickets and scoring 116 runs, which helped secure him a spot in the national team.
With Varun absent, India is expected to rely on Akshar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi as their main spinners, while Washington Sundar and Vipraj Nigam serve as backup options. India will enter the Asian Games quarterfinals directly. If Nepal, in Group A alongside Afghanistan and Japan, secures second place, they could meet India in the quarterfinal stage.
Indian Squad for the Asian Games: Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Akshar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Vaibhav Suryawanshi, Vipraj Nigam
Hashim Thaçi, the former president of Kosovo, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC), located in The Hague, Netherlands, found Thaçi guilty of war crimes committed during the conflict for Kosovo’s independence from Serbia. The 58-year-old was sentenced on Wednesday for crimes including murder, torture, and illegal detention.
Thaçi played a leading role in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) as a top commander during the 1990s war for Kosovo’s separation from Serbia, primarily composed of ethnic Albanians. The KSC reported that Thaçi was responsible for the murder of 96 individuals accused of being political opponents or collaborating with Serbian security forces during the conflict. Thaçi has denied all accusations against him. He remained silent as Presiding Judge Charles Smith pronounced the sentence. Three other former senior KLA commanders were also sentenced on various charges: Jakup Krasniqi received 25 years, Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years including time served, and Rexhep Selimi got 13 years including time served. All have the option to appeal the verdict.
The court acquitted all four defendants on six additional charges of crimes against humanity, stating that the prosecution failed to prove these charges as part of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians. The case has been highly contentious in Kosovo. Many ethnic Albanians regard the KLA and Thaçi as revered figures due to their roles in the 1998-99 war for independence. Thousands in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, watched the verdict broadcast live on large screens. Following the announcement, some supporters chanted pro-KLA and Thaçi slogans. Thaçi remains a symbol of not only Kosovo’s former presidency but also its independence for many Kosovo Albanians.
The KLA emerged in the mid-1990s, with increased armed activities in 1997 and 1998. In response, Serbian forces launched large-scale police and military operations, escalating into full-scale war in 1999. The conflict resulted in an estimated 13,000 deaths and millions displaced. During the war, Thaçi was a key figure as one of the heads of the KLA’s political and information directorate. Following the war, he served as Kosovo’s prime minister and foreign minister, eventually becoming president from 2016 to 2020. He resigned in November 2020 after the court indicted him, and was detained along with other convicted commanders at the Hague. Since then, Kosovo has struggled to form a stable government despite multiple elections aimed at deepening ties with the European Union. Observers warn that this verdict may create further challenges to Kosovo’s political stability.
In their opening match at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Nepal’s women’s volleyball team suffered a straight-set loss to Japan with scores of 25–8, 25–12, and 25–11. Ranked sixth in the FIVB standings, Japan dominated the match, leaving Nepal unable to secure a set. Following this defeat, Nepal is scheduled to face Indonesia on Thursday in their second match.
A victory against Indonesia would keep Nepal’s hopes for reaching the quarterfinals alive; however, a loss would require them to compete in classification matches. Kathmandu, 31 Bhadra: Nepal’s women’s volleyball team faced a tough challenge in their first game at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, falling to Japan in straight sets.
Nepal was defeated by Japan with set scores of 25–8, 25–12, and 25–11. Japan holds the sixth position globally in the FIVB women’s rankings and is the top-ranked team in Asia, overpowering Nepal throughout the match. Nepal’s next contest will be against Indonesia on Thursday.
If Nepal wins that match, they will sustain their chance to qualify for the quarterfinals; a loss, however, would force them into classification matches. According to the FIVB rankings, Nepal is currently 69th while Indonesia holds the 53rd position globally. In the Asian rankings, Indonesia is ninth and Nepal is 11th.
According to the Minister’s Secretariat, Sasmita Pokharel will not be traveling to Japan for the Asian Games. Kathmandu, September 16 – Education and Sports Minister Sasmita Pokharel has decided not to attend the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The Secretariat revealed that the minister will not be going to Japan for the event. “The minister initially said she might attend if time permitted. However, due to the pressure of disaster-related work, she will no longer be traveling to Japan,” said a member of the Secretariat.
Previously, she was listed as the official representative of the Nepalese team for the Asian Games. However, following intense criticism, she chose not to participate. Ramcharitra Mehta, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council (RNC), also confirmed that he has decided not to attend the Asian Games in Japan. Since the 10th National Sports Event needs to be organized, he stated he will not participate in the Asian Games. “If I go to Japan, the 10th National Sports Event will have to be postponed. Spending 15 to 20 days in Japan would delay the event. Without the Member Secretary present, the preparations cannot move forward,” he explained. “Therefore, even if I do not go to Japan, sports activities will continue, but the 10th National Sports Event may not be held on time. That is why the decision was made not to participate in the Asian Games.”
In Mashhad, Iran, passengers were seen screaming when the roof of an aircraft detached during an emergency landing. The incident involved a Boeing 737 operated by Sepahan Airlines, which encountered an emergency shortly after takeoff due to a tire burst. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the event.
Following the incident, the affected passengers were transferred to another aircraft and transported to their destination. It is noted that US sanctions have led to a shortage of essential aircraft maintenance parts in Iran, which may contribute to such operational challenges.
Through a joint initiative by Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), a three-match T20 international series will be held in Kirtipur on March 26, 28, and 30, 2027 (Bikram Sambat).
The series will be dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent devastating floods in Nepal.
BCB has pledged support for Nepal’s women’s cricket, age-group cricket, and capacity-building programs, as well as to encourage visits and bilateral series involving Nepal ‘A’ teams in the future.
31 Bhadra, Kathmandu – The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have announced a historic three-match T20 international series between Nepal and Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Kirtipur during March 2027 (Bikram Sambat).
The series will take place on March 26, 28, and 30 respectively, marking the first time that a Test-playing nation will visit Nepal to play an international cricket series. This event is set to be the biggest series ever organized in Nepal.
The series will be dedicated to the memory of all individuals who lost their lives in the recent devastating floods that struck Nepal. It aims to pay tribute to the departed, while expressing solidarity and sympathy towards the grieving families and flood-affected communities.
Recognizing cricket as a vital link connecting the peoples of both countries, CAN and BCB have agreed to make this series an embodiment of friendship, humanity, and cooperation.
According to the official statement, the collaboration between the two boards will extend beyond this international series. The BCB has committed to supporting Nepal’s women’s cricket, youth cricket, and capacity enhancement programs.
Further, the engagement will foster visits by Nepal ‘A’ teams and encourage bilateral series at the ‘A’ team level in the future.
Both CAN and BCB have also expressed their commitment to using cricket as a platform to convey messages of unity, empathy, and solidarity between the two neighboring nations during difficult times, while strengthening long-term cooperation to develop Nepalese cricket.
When Japan began collecting data on people aged 100 and above in 1963, there were only 153 such individuals. That number has now risen to 107,677. According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour, the number of people aged 100 or older has exceeded 100,000 for the first time. Currently, Japan has 107,677 centenarians, the highest number in the world, with 88% of them being women. The oldest woman is 114-year-old Fuyo Kishimoto from Kyoto, while the oldest man is 112-year-old Hikaru Kato from Kumamoto.
Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno expressed happiness at seeing many people lead long, healthy, and active lives. He credited advances in medicine and technology for this success. However, Ueno also warned that the country faces a major challenge in maintaining a sustainable social security system. Experts cite healthy diets and active lifestyles as key reasons for Japanese longevity. The typical Japanese diet mainly includes fish, vegetables, and rice and has a lower fat intake compared to Western diets.
Elderly people in Japan regularly walk, use public transportation, cycle, and engage in physical exercise. Japan’s population has been steadily aging. For over a decade, sales of adult diapers have surpassed those of baby diapers. Companies have begun developing new devices targeting the elderly, including powered exoskeletons that assist body movement and glasses with self-adjusting focus.
To maintain its population, a country needs an average fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. Last year, Japan’s total fertility rate dropped to a record low of 1.14. According to data from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Japan’s total population is projected to shrink to 87 million by 2070, a nearly 30% decline from 128 million in 2008. Currently, people aged 65 and older constitute about 30% of Japan’s total population; this is expected to rise to nearly 40% by 2070.
Japanese officials describe this trend as a crisis of existence. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has referred to the population decline as a ‘quiet emergency.’ By 2025, all but two of Japan’s 47 prefectures are projected to experience population decreases, with the rate continuing to accelerate. Although the government has implemented various programs and subsidies to encourage young people to have more children, there has been no significant impact on birth rates. Experts attribute the low fertility rate to complex factors, including declining marriage rates, increased female labor market participation, and rising costs associated with raising children. Although immigration has increased in recent years, foreign residents account for only about 3% of the total population, and opposition to immigration has also grown. Compared to other major economies, Japan still has relatively low numbers of foreign nationals.
When Japan started collecting centenarian data in 1963, there were 153 individuals aged 100 or older. This number reached 1,000 by 1981 and 10,000 by 1998. Previous studies have questioned the reliability of centenarian counts worldwide due to errors in records, unreliable government documentation, and missing birth certificates, which could result in inflated numbers of people reported to be aged 100 or more.
Deependra Singh Airey has risen five places in the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings, reaching the 17th position. His rating increased to 171 following a half-century and three wickets against Oman and 18 runs with one wicket against the UAE in the ACC Premier League.
Kathmandu, 31 September — Nepal’s cricketer Deependra Singh Airey has improved his position by five ranks in the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings. According to the latest update published on Wednesday based on data available until Tuesday, Airey climbed to 17th place.
His rating points have increased from 159 to 171. This improvement comes after his outstanding performance last Saturday in the ACC Premier League. Both the semifinal against Oman and the final against the UAE held ODI status. In the semifinal, Airey scored a half-century and took three wickets, while in the final he contributed 18 runs and took one wicket. Additionally, Airey rose 10 spots to reach 84th place in the ODI batting rankings. In the T20I all-rounder rankings, he remains steady at third place.
As annual festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath approach, consumers have expressed complaints about having to purchase sugar at high prices. However, officials have stated that there is no shortage of sugar in the market and have urged consumers not to pay more than necessary. Consumers have reported sugar prices reaching NPR 130 or higher at stores. Nonetheless, representatives from the Salt Trading Corporation and the Food Management and Trade Company have advised consumers to avoid buying excessive quantities of sugar or paying inflated prices.
Due to complaints related to black market sugar sales or price hikes, the Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection has intensified its monitoring efforts. After a month of oversight on sugar prices, department officials have reported that no stores have been found in violation requiring penalties. Through a government-to-government agreement, 10,000 quintals of sugar have been imported from India to Birgunj, Nepal, while 25,000 quintals are being procured from local producers, and the government has authorized the import of an additional 25,000 quintals, according to the Food Management and Trade Company Limited.
The company reports that sugar prices are maintained at NPR 109 per kilogram in Kathmandu and NPR 110 per kilogram nationwide, and distribution is ongoing through sales outlets. Madhav Mishra, the company’s information officer, stated, “When purchased from our office, sugar is available at NPR 110 per kilogram even in regions such as Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, and Taplejung.”
Every year during the festival season, consumers tend to perceive a shortage of sugar. However, this year Salt Trading Corporation officials have clarified that there is no shortage to ensure that consumers do not face undue difficulties. Kumar Rajbhandari, Deputy Chief of Salt Trading Corporation, said, “We urge consumers not to worry excessively and refrain from buying sugar in larger amounts or at inflated prices. Adequate sugar is available at stalls operated by Salt Trading, the Food Institute, and the Food Trade Company.”
The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection has strengthened monitoring of sugar and other essential food items and continues to check prices and availability regularly. Anil Kiranti, the department’s information officer, stated that so far no evidence has been found to warrant action against any shop during these inspections.
At least 20 Palestinians, including five children and several women, have died after a residential building damaged during the conflict with Israel in Gaza collapsed. According to Palestinian security forces, the six-story building fell on Wednesday. Dozens of people are reported to be trapped under the rubble. Witnesses say cries for help from children trapped beneath the debris have been heard. Civil defense teams are currently searching for survivors.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense, stated that rescue efforts to extract the dead and search for missing persons are ongoing. He warned that approximately 100 individuals may still be trapped beneath the building’s rubble. The rescue teams face significant difficulties due to a lack of proper equipment needed to reach those trapped. Local media reports indicate the building was damaged by Israeli airstrikes and was structurally weakened and fragmented.
Yahya Al-Sarraj, mayor of Gaza City, noted that numerous homes in the city have been damaged due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that this incident is neither the first nor likely the last. He also highlighted that rescue operations have been hampered by insufficient resources and equipment within the municipality and civil defense agencies. Gaza’s official media office has held Israel responsible for the incident. –With contributions from Al Jazeera
In the latest ICC ODI bowling rankings, Nepalese spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Sandeep Lamichhane have improved their standings significantly. Lalit has climbed five places to reach 40th position, while Sandeep has moved up three places to rank 46th. Lalit’s rating points stand at 509, and Sandeep’s at 491. These advancements come on the back of their performances in the recently concluded ACC Premier League.
Kathmandu, 31 Bhadra – Nepal’s national cricket team spinners have made notable progress in the ICC ODI bowling rankings released on Wednesday, based on data up to Tuesday. Left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi’s rise by five places and leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane’s surge by three have elevated them to the 40th and 46th spots respectively in the global list. Lalit’s rating score is 509, while Sandeep’s is 491.
The improvements are attributed to their excellent displays in the ACC Premier League held last Saturday. Both the semifinal against Oman and the final against UAE were recognized as official ODI matches. Lalit secured two wickets each against Oman and UAE, while Sandeep took three wickets against Oman and one against UAE, bolstering their rankings considerably.
Following the government’s release of the ‘Capital Market Strengthening and Revival Action Plan, 2083’ on Monday, the Nepalese stock market showed a green trend on Tuesday. However, the enthusiasm did not last beyond a day.
After rising by two points on Tuesday, the stock market index fell by 21.19 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,612.42.
Experts note that the market’s initial two-day response to the finance ministry’s plan is temporary, and its true impact can only be evaluated over the long term.
Nepal’s capital market has been experiencing sluggish trading and weak investor confidence for some time now.
“I believe the government’s action plan will act as medicine to revive the share market, which has been in a coma for a long time,” said Radha Pokharel, President of the Nepal Capital Market Investors Association.
What Investors Say
Image source, Getty Images
According to Pokharel, investors have lost over five billion rupees since the new government came into office.
“This is an action plan for reform and similar improvement ideas have been proposed before. The effects might become visible once it is implemented. Encouragement of institutional investors and various reforms could have a sustainable positive impact.”
Sagar Dhakal, President of the Stock Broker Association of Nepal, stated that the recently announced 21-point action plan follows international best practices and addresses long-standing demands.
“Since it was developed in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders, we can expect long-term reforms.”
While some investors and stock brokerage officials remain cautiously watchful, finance ministry and regulatory officials assert the plan is “transformative” and will have a “sustainable impact.”
Finance Ministry spokesperson Amrit Lamsal explained that the plan addresses both immediate and long-term aspects.
“There will be some immediate effects, but the plan includes long-term provisions, covering governance reforms, securities-related acts, and market infrastructure development.”
“Ultimately, this will help revitalize and expand the market over the long term.”
What Foundations Underpin the Reforms?
Image source, Nepal Photo Library
Image caption, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle
Gopal Prasad Bhatt, Chairman of Nepal’s Securities Board, explained that the government’s plan aims at comprehensive reforms.
“There are many reform aspects within the plan. For example, new standards for IPO issuance will be introduced. Additionally, policies related to the ‘price discovery mechanism’ will be implemented, which will improve price formation in the market. This will provide direction to both primary and secondary markets.”
The Securities Board of Nepal is the regulatory agency responsible for supervising and structuring the capital market.
“The ultimate goal is to make the market active, disciplined, timely, and diverse by introducing various instruments,” he said. “Investors with different preferences will be able to engage with an internationally standard market through various instruments.”
Finance Ministry spokesperson Lamsal noted that the action plan will be implemented gradually.
“Various bodies are actively involved. This year, the ministry plans to amend laws related to public finance, capital markets, and insurance. Since these programs are time-bound, they will be prioritized for reforms.”
“[Through this plan,] our direction will proceed accordingly. Legal preparations will be completed.”
What Does the Action Plan Include?
The government’s plan covers contemporary amendments to the securities act, advancing restructuring of NEPSE, amendments to allow Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) access to the secondary market, and tax reforms to encourage long-term investment, among other topics.
“We will see a market dominated by institutional investors,” Bhatt said. “There is a subject currently before Parliament to make Provident Funds more active. Additionally, the Citizen Investment Trust and Social Security Fund will function more effectively. Stock dealers will also operate more efficiently.”
Dhakal also expressed confidence that efforts to encourage institutional investors will have a long-term impact. “Currently, institutional investors represent only 10% domestically, whereas externally it is nearly 40%.”
The relatively low number of institutional investors and less mature retail investors pose various challenges in the Nepalese market. On Tuesday, the share prices of some hydropower companies affected by the Bhotekoshi flood also increased.
“Pricing of shares is influenced by experts who analyze companies and purchase only sound shares. When retail investor participation is high, individual investors may become confused about share prices,” Dhakal explained.
Notable Income Tax Relief
The finance ministry’s action plan provides significant relief concerning income tax.
“Previously, we paid 7.5% tax on trading held less than a year, and 5% for one year holdings. The Finance Minister increased these to 10% and 7.5% respectively in the budget,” said Chhotelal Rauniyar, former chairperson of the Nepal Investors Forum.
“Currently, the 10% tax has been reduced to 5%, and medium-to-long-term investors will be taxed at 3.5%.”
“This is even better than our prior demands.”
The plan also reduces the period for banks to sell shares to 45 days, down from the previous six months.
It includes provisions for mutual fund development and bond diversification as well.
“So far, investors’ only option was shares; there were no equity funds. In India, there is an option to invest in gold. Such diversification will be welcomed,” Rauniyar said.
“Moreover, the plan mentions intra-day trading and short-selling, but since investors are not ready, these are likely to take about a year to implement.”
Intra-day trading refers to buying and selling shares within the same day, while short-selling is a process of borrowing shares that one does not own, selling them first, and repurchasing later if the price drops to return the shares.
Questions Regarding Implementation
Radha Pokharel, President of the Capital Market Investors Association, said that although the government’s plan shows initial positive signs, it is difficult to assess its long-term impact at present.
“We have proposed many reform suggestions before. Sometimes, the plans arrived but were not implemented, getting stuck midway. Such scenarios do not allow assessment of impact,” she said. “It would be good if the issues are addressed policy-wise.”
Chairman Bhatt of the Securities Board asserted that a plan of this scale has never been presented before.
“This is the first time such an action plan has been introduced,” Bhatt said. “These initiatives are time-bound, and earlier such plans never existed.”
“This is the first time that such a plan has come as a commitment from the government and the Securities Board. It is not an old idea but a clear action plan.”
The armed Houthi rebel group in Yemen claimed on Thursday that they successfully shot down a Saudi Arabian fighter jet. The Houthis also presented evidence that the weapon used to bring down the Saudi plane was manufactured within Yemen itself. Yahya Sari, the spokesperson for the armed Houthi group, stated on social media, “The Yemeni armed forces have succeeded in downing a Saudi F-15 fighter jet that was conducting a hostile operation in the airspace of Marib province.”
Spokesperson Sari also dismissed other accusations made by Saudi Arabia. The Saudi side had accused the Houthi rebels of targeting the city of Mecca with attacks earlier this week. “Our operations are focused on oil facilities and military headquarters,” Houthi spokesperson Sari clarified.
Since July, when the civil war in Yemen intensified again, the armed Houthi group has been engaged in conflict with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.
