Kathmandu, December 5
Tribhuvan University (TU) appears reluctant to extend its agreement for the TU Cricket Ground at Kirtipur, popularly known as the “Home of Nepali Cricket,” located within the university premises.
A senior TU official said the agreement with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is set to expire in Chaitra and is unlikely to be renewed thereafter.
“A university and a cricket ground cannot function in the same space. When cricket tournaments are held for months like festivals, they affect academic activities, from research to teaching. The agreement with CAN is nearing its end, and we are not in favour of extending it,” the official told Onlinekhabar.
However, TU is prepared to allow one or two matches on a limited basis. “We may allow one or two games or events, but organising matches in a way that disrupts teaching and learning like a festival is not appropriate,” the official said.
Meanwhile, CAN has maintained that the issue should be resolved through mutual understanding among all stakeholders. CAN spokesperson Chumbi Lama said Nepali cricket belongs to everyone and that the problem should be addressed through dialogue.
“Cricket does not belong only to CAN; it belongs to the state as well. The history of TU Cricket Ground and CAN is almost the same, and Nepal’s achievements in cricket have come from this very ground. TU has been positive so far. Therefore, CAN also believes that TU, CAN, and the Ministry of Sports should sit together and find a solution,” Lama said.
He added that if alternative grounds are arranged, CAN would not need to disturb TU. “The government is already making investments. Once an alternative ground is prepared, this issue will be resolved,” he said.
