Stuart Law has officially started his two-year journey as the head coach of Nepal’s national cricket team. Law arrived in Kathmandu on Friday night and immediately got to work on Saturday. He said he is excited to take on the challenge and help Nepali cricket reach new heights.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) introduced Law at an event in Lower Mulpani. Speaking to journalists, Law shared his big goals for the team. He made it clear that he is focused on qualifying Nepal for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Law Ready to Build a Strong Team
On his first morning in Nepal, Law visited the cricket grounds in Mulpani. He began assessing players and planning to build a strong squad.
“I don’t like losing. I am a bad loser,” Law said during the event. He emphasized that while the T20 World Cup is the main goal, the CWC League 2, the path to the 2027 ODI World Cup, is also important.
“The T20 World Cup is close, so we will focus on it first,” he explained.
Nepal will compete against eight teams in the Asia-East Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifiers in Oman this October. The top three teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.
If Nepal qualifies, it will be their third appearance at a T20 World Cup, following their appearances in 2014 and 2024.
A Coach with South Asian Experience
Law is no stranger to cricket in South Asia. He has already coached teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Paras Khadka, secretary of CAN, welcomed Law warmly. “We are glad that he made Nepal his new home,” Khadka said. “Our vision for Nepali cricket matches his experience and achievements.”
CAN officials shared that they will continue discussions with Law in the coming days. Law also expressed his excitement about finally meeting the team in person.
“Until yesterday, I had only texted with Captain Rohit and CAN staff,” Law said. “Now, we will work together closely.”
Besides South Asia, Law brings global experience. As a former player, he was part of Australia’s squad that finished as runners-up in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. He has also coached the West Indies (2018–2019) and the United States (2024).
Building a Path Toward Test Cricket
Law knows that Nepal dreams of becoming a Test-playing nation. However, he pointed out that it will take time.
“Test cricket is a big ambition, but first we must build a strong structure,” Law said. He stressed the need to develop cricket from the grassroots level.
A Friendly Tournament to Assess Players
Right after arriving, Law faced the media for his first press conference in Mulpani. Despite battling a cold, he appeared energetic and ready to start.
Law observed the “core camp,” which includes 52 players. These players are divided into four teams, each consisting of 13 players. They will play a friendly tournament between April 26 and May 3 at the Mulpani grounds.
“We want to see the mentality of the boys,” Law said.
The tournament uses a double round-robin format and is designed to help Law evaluate players closely.
CAN had been planning the camp for some time. “We had been preparing this for a while,” Khadka said.
Law appreciated the initiative. He said it would give him a deeper understanding of the players’ skills and attitudes.
“Previous performance matters, but this camp is important,” Law said. He also hinted at possible small changes in the national team but ruled out major shifts.
A Stunning Century to Welcome Law
After the press meet, Law moved directly to the cricket ground to watch the matches.
Aasif Sheikh’s Team Green faced Dipendra Singh Airee’s Team Yellow. Team Yellow batted first, scoring 196 runs in 46 overs. Rupesh Kumar Singh scored a half-century, while Bhurtel missed his by just six runs.
Team Green, in response, could only score 179 runs and were all out in 43.1 overs. Several players, including Rupesh Kumar Singh, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Kamal Singh Airee, and Dipendra Singh Airee, took two wickets each.
Meanwhile, Bhim Sharki gave Coach Law a grand welcome. Playing for Sandeep Lamichhane’s Team Red, Sharki scored a brilliant 126 runs off 104 balls. His innings included 13 fours and two sixes.
Aarif Sheikh also scored a half-century for Team Red. They set a target of 348 runs. Rohit Kumar Paudel’s Team Blue could not handle the pressure and were all out for just 148 runs in 31.1 overs.
Law’s Positive Start Brings New Hope
Stuart Law’s arrival marks a fresh beginning for Nepali cricket. With his experience and clear focus, hopes are high that Nepal will continue to grow on the international stage.
As the national team prepares for important tournaments ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how Law’s leadership shapes the team’s future.
