Share:

The Heartbeat of a Cricket-Crazy Nation

The rise of Nepali cricket has been nothing short of a fairy tale. From being an associate underdog to becoming a global contender, Nepal has captured the world’s attention with its “never-say-die” spirit and a massive, dedicated fan base. This journey reached a historic milestone in early 2026, as Nepal competed in its third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in India and Sri Lanka. Highlights of the tournament included a thrilling victory against Scotland at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and a fearless battle against England, proving that the “Rhinos” belong on the big stage.

At the centre of this revolution is the Tribhuvan University (TU) International Cricket Ground. Located within Nepal’s oldest and largest university, this ground has been the primary training site for the national stars who recently shone in the World Cup. While the university strives for academic excellence, the presence of such a high-profile stadium on its campus creates a unique set of opportunities and challenges.

Advantages

1. A Great Place for Cricket Practice and Matches

The ground is large and open, making it perfect for playing cricket. Students and young fans practise here daily, which helps them improve their skills. Playing in such a famous venue excites players. It has hosted major events such as ICC tournaments, the Everest Premier League, and the Nepal Premier League. With recent upgrades, including floodlights, night matches are now possible. This helps Nepali cricket grow rapidly and creates more opportunities for international games.

2. Makes University Life More Fun and Active

Cricket adds excitement to campus life. Students enjoy watching matches, cheering for teams, and playing themselves. It helps them relax after intensive study, stay healthy, and feel connected. Many students say it brings joy and makes university life more enjoyable.

3. Boosts the Image of Tribhuvan University

Hosting national and international cricket matches increases awareness of TU both in Nepal and abroad. The media, players, and visitors talk about the university, enhancing its reputation. It makes TU appear modern and attractive to prospective students and sports fans. The government has even declared it a national priority project, with upgrades planned to expand capacity to 30,000, highlighting its importance for Nepal’s sports and tourism sectors.

Disadvantages

1. Noise and Disturbance to Studies

On match days or during major events like the NPL, there is loud cheering, amplified sound, large crowds, and general chaos. This disrupts classes, examinations, and study time. Teachers and students find it difficult to concentrate because of the noise and increased movement on campus. The peaceful academic environment is compromised, negatively affecting teaching and learning. Some professors even face difficulties entering the campus during major tournaments.

2. Overcrowding and Security Issues

Thousands of outsiders come to the campus for matches, leading to overcrowding. Traffic congestion, parking problems, and unfamiliar individuals moving around create additional challenges. Security becomes difficult to manage. In the past, there have been incidents of fans breaking barriers or causing disturbances. This disrupts normal university life, administration, and daily routines for students and staff.

3. Damage to Campus and Additional Costs

Large crowds can damage the grass, plants, and university property. Litter increases, buildings may be affected, and cleaning and repair costs rise. The ground was originally intended for university sports, but major events sometimes leave it untidy. Activities are halted for maintenance, and some argue that it harms the campus environment.