Nepal set for ICC Trophy debut as diplomatic efforts proceed

Despite having its participation called into threat by problems obtaining visas for all of its players, Nepal finally seems set to make its ICC Trophy debut when the tournament starts in Toronto next Thursday.

The Himalayan Kingdom's participation in a meet which determines the final three participants for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa was uncertain after the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, India refused entrance visas for four of its best players, including captain, Raju Khadka.

According to Cricket Association of Nepal Joint Secretary, Mr. Damadar N. Suwal, urgent action to attain visas for replacement players, Pawan Agrawal, Sandeep Shresthra, Navin Dhimire and Durga Sen, should now enable the Nepalese team to arrive in time for the start of the tournament.

"We still have the headache of making alternative arrangements to fly the team there," Mr. Suwal said.

The original squad of 14 was due to depart from Kathmandu yesterday (Saturday), but the revised squad will now leave on Tuesday.

Ironically, the likeable Agrawal, who captained Nepal at last year's ACC Trophy, was replaced by Khadkha as Nepalese skipper for this tournament. However, he will not resume the captaincy - that role goes to vice-captain and wicket-keeper, Ganesh Shahi.

The other three new players are the experienced Sandeep Shreshtha, as well as Durga Sen and Navin Dhimire. The players, apart from Khadkha, refused entry by the Canadians, are Khosh Gurung, Birenda Shah and Raj Kumar Pradhan.

This ICC Trophy will be the largest ever gathering of national cricket teams - two proposals under consideration for future World Cup qualifying paths for non-Test countries ensure this.

Meanwhile, United States Cricket Association president, Mr. Kamran Khan, has dispelled conjecture about the makeup of the USA's ICC Trophy squad.

"There were a couple of minor problems but everything is okay and the team is now in Toronto."