Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra suggested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adopt Nepal cricket and speed up Asian minnows' growth at international circuit. The former India opener's statement comes after Nepal, making their debut in Asia Cup after winning the ACC Premier Cup, showed maturity against mighty Indian cricket team on Monday in Pallekele. For the unversed, Nepal, on Monday, played their first-ever ODI match (50-overs format) against team India.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Aakash Chopra advised BCCI to include Nepal cricket team in India's domestic structure. "India must adopt Nepal cricket and make it their responsibility to bring them up to speed with International Cricket. Send the A team to Nepal," Chopra wrote.
"Involve them in India's domestic structure (I remember India-A playing a full first-class season in Windies). The passion for cricket in Nepal is unparalleled and they have the potential too," he added.
Earlier, CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand had urged Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to support Nepal cricket for its growth and betterment. "I became CAN president in 2019, and since then, I've been appealing Indian board," Chand continued in an interview.
"We are a neighboring country and have such a good diplomatic relationship then why are you not supporting Nepal Cricket? Invite Nepal team for a series in your big cities and big stadiums. It will be a huge match exposure for Nepal," he added.
After losing to India, Nepal got knocked out from Asia Cup 2023 tournament. Rohit Sharma & Co. will now face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Super 4 Asia Cup 2023 match.