Nepal pick Gujarat to fine tune their skills for T20 World Cup 2024

The coveted ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is just months away and the Nepal senior men's cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the marquee event. The Nepal side chose Gujarat, to fine-tune their skills ahead of the tournament. Organized by the Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI), the 'Friendship Cup' tri-series aims to provide Nepal with top-notch competition and help strengthen their cricketing skills.

The Nepalese side has started their tour of India, where they will face off against the Baroda Cricket Association and Gujarat Cricket Association teams in a T20 tri-series. The tournament kicked off on March 31, with Nepal squaring off against Gujarat in the opener. The finale is scheduled for April 7, giving the visitors ample opportunity to acclimatize and hone their skills.

Interestingly enough, Nepal head coach, Monty Desai, who is a Gujarati himself expressed his delight at the prospect of his team preparing in Gujarat. Desai's familiarity with cricketing capabilities and infrastructure in Gujarat played a pivotal role in their decision.

"We have a very good national team that has the potential to beat the best. But ahead of WC, we wanted to play quality cricket and face the best of the batsmen, bowlers and fielders. The boys are having a great time here. Also, the Baroda and Gujarat teams will benefit by playing against a good national cricket team. It's a win-win situation for all," Desai told Times of India.

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We are glad they chose Gujarat: Snehal Parikh

The Cricket Association of Nepal reached out to the Baroda and Gujarat associations, securing the necessary permissions from the BCCI for the tri-series. Snehal Parikh, CEO of the Baroda Cricket Association, welcomed the move by saying that not just the mountain nation will benefit from this unique experience but it will also help young Gujarat-based cricketers to further hone their skills and exchange knowledge of the game ahead.

“We are glad they chose Gujarat to prepare their team for the T20 World Cup. We have quality infrastructure as well as talented players. While the Nepal cricketers will benefit immensely from this tournament, Baroda and Gujarat boys will also learn a lot as Nepal is a competitive national side," said Parikh.

Looking ahead, Desai envisions a long-term partnership, contemplating annual tournaments in Gujarat and potential matches against Ranji teams. "We will consider inviting Gujarat cricketers to play tourneys in Nepal," Desai concluded.

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Speaking of the groups of the upcoming mega cricket carnival, Nepal are slated in Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, respectively. They will start their T20 World Cup campaign against Netherlands in Dallas, on June 4.

Nepal’s schedule for ICC T20 World Cup 2024:

1. Nepal vs The Netherlands, Grand Prairie Stadium June 4, Dallas

2. Nepal vs Sri Lanka, Central Broward Park, June 11, Lauderhill

3. Nepal vs South Africa, Arnos Vale Stadium, June 14, St.Vincent

4. Nepal vs Bangladesh, Arnos Vale Stadium, June 16, St.Vincent