Kathmandu, Nepal: The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) made a significant announcement this week, unveiling the central contracts for the upcoming season for the men’s and women’s national teams. The move aims to provide financial stability and recognition to 49 talented athletes.

Expanded Talent Pool: This year’s contracts see an expansion, with 30 male and 19 female players receiving central agreements. Additionally, introducing a new category for “emerging talents” further emphasizes CAN’s commitment to nurturing future stars.

Tiered System for Recognition: The players have been categorized into five distinct tiers based on performance and experience: ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, and “emerging talents.” This tiered system provides a clear pathway for player development and ensures appropriate financial remuneration.

Men’s Team Bolstered: The prestigious ‘Grade A’ category boasts established names like Rohit Paudel, Sompal Kami, and Asif Sheikh, consistently delivering stellar performances. Exciting youngsters like Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha find themselves in ‘Grade B,’ showcasing their potential on the national stage.

Women’s Cricket on the Rise: The women’s division also witnesses a well-deserved boost. The ‘Grade A’ roster features stalwarts like Indu Barma and Rubina Chhetri, who continue to be the backbone of the Team. Kavita Kunwar leads the charge in ‘Grade B,’ while promising talents like Soni Pakhrin represent the future of Nepalese women’s cricket.

Closing the Gender Gap: It’s noteworthy that CAN has implemented a compensation structure that strives to close the gender pay gap. While the highest-paid male players receive 1 lakh per month, their female counterparts in ‘Grade A’ receive 50,000, showcasing CAN’s commitment to pay parity.

New Appointments Bolster Administration: Beyond player contracts, the board meeting saw crucial committee appointments. These strategic decisions strengthen the administrative framework further and support player development.

Looking Forward: This comprehensive approach by CAN signifies a new dawn for Nepali cricket. By nurturing established talent, identifying future stars, and addressing gender disparity, the association lays a strong foundation for the sport to reach new heights in the years to come.