- Wed, March 16, 2022
Loading
WEST INDIES TO FACE NEPAL IN HISTORIC T20I SERIES AT SHARJAH
BRIDGETOWN, 12 June 2025 — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a landmark three-match T20 International series against Nepal, set to be played in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, on September 27, 28, and 30, 2025. This historic bilateral engagement marks the first-ever international series between West Indies and Nepal, symbolizing a giant step toward inclusive cricket development and global expansion of the sport.
While the West Indies brings a legacy of flamboyant cricket and World Cup glory, Nepal arrives with growing momentum, preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier later this year. For both sides, this isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about growth, exposure, partnership, and uniting through cricket.
A defining moment for Nepal cricket
For Nepal, this series is more than just a competition — it’s validation of their growing presence on the global stage. Over the past five years, Nepal has climbed steadily through the ICC associate rankings, with standout performances in global qualifiers and the emergence of young stars like Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Sandeep Lamichhane putting them firmly on the cricketing map.
Hosting the series at Sharjah – a historic and neutral venue – offers Nepal a chance to showcase their talent in familiar subcontinental conditions while engaging with a wider audience. The opportunity to face a full-member cricketing powerhouse like the West Indies ahead of their T20 World Cup qualification journey is not only inspirational but a critical step in building their cricketing confidence.
West Indies’ global cricket diplomacy
This series also reflects Cricket West Indies’ growing commitment to global cricket outreach. With the Caribbean side now focusing on both competitive strength and developmental partnerships, this bilateral series exemplifies what many boards hope to achieve — meaningful international engagement beyond traditional rivalries.
Speaking on the occasion, CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized the deeper significance behind this initiative.
“This series is more than just a set of international matches—it’s a celebration of the game’s expanding global footprint and a testament to what cricket represents: pride, purpose, and the power of unity,” said Dehring.
“As a full-member nation, we see it as our responsibility to contribute to the development of cricket beyond our borders. Supporting Nepal in this key phase of their journey not only builds the sport at grassroots and international levels but also reminds us of the pride and honour of representing your country.”
By stepping forward with this partnership, West Indies is not only offering valuable game time to Nepal, but also creating a template for how cricketing diplomacy can be used to uplift emerging nations. It shows that global cricket isn’t just a contest of skill but a shared experience of ambition and mutual respect.
A stage set for competitive cricket in Sharjah
The decision to host the West Indies vs Nepal T20I series in Sharjah is both strategic and symbolic. The venue, steeped in cricketing nostalgia, has seen everything from underdog victories to record-breaking individual performances. Sharjah offers Nepal a ‘home away from home’ given its fan base and weather conditions, while also providing West Indies players a chance to adapt to Asian conditions ahead of upcoming ICC events.
CWI is expected to send a competitive squad featuring both established stars and emerging talent. With the Caribbean side in a transitional phase, these matches will also serve as a proving ground for youngsters aiming to secure spots in future global tournaments. For Nepal, every match is an opportunity to test their game against seasoned opposition and fine-tune combinations for their upcoming qualifiers.
Building bridges beyond boundaries
The series announcement has been met with enthusiasm not just from fans, but also from cricket boards and global observers who have long advocated for broader bilateral engagement between full-member and associate nations.
CWI extended heartfelt gratitude to both the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for their collaboration in facilitating this historic event. The coordination required to bring two continents together for this landmark cricket event showcases the sport’s power to foster unity and opportunity, even beyond traditional borders.
This series is also expected to boost Nepal’s cricketing infrastructure and confidence, offering them not just international exposure, but also a message of belief from a full-member nation.
For West Indies, this series fits into a broader roadmap as they gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and a busy bilateral calendar. With the team seeking a fresh core of match-winners, these matches in Sharjah will be an opportunity for selectors to assess form, versatility, and tactical adaptability.
For Nepal, the goal is even more urgent — the Asia Qualifier looms, and a strong showing against the West Indies would not only boost morale but could also serve as a dress rehearsal for the high-pressure encounters awaiting them in the months ahead.
Both teams bring unique strengths to the table. While West Indies’ aggressive power-hitting and flamboyant pace attack define their T20 brand, Nepal relies on intelligent bowling, tight fielding, and fearless youth — making for a tantalizing match-up in every game.
Comments:
Leave a Reply