Kathmandu, January 21
Dav Whatmore has formally taken the role as the head coach of Nepal’s national cricket team on Thursday. Whatmore, who came to Kathmandu on Sunday, was appointed head coach on December 17, 2020.
Whatmore, 66, has been given a one-year contract to take Nepali cricket to the next level. Cricket Association of Nepal chose Whatmore from a 12-man shortlist.
“I’m happy to be the coach of such a cricket-loving nation,” said Whatmore at his unveiling event in Kathmandu on Thursday. “It’s a new challenge for me and I am excited and ready for it.”
Speaking at the event, Whatmore said that he is hopeful that Nepal will retain its status as an ODI nation and added that he will do his best to take Nepali cricket to better heights.
“I’m motivated to take this team forward. For that to happen, all of us, both the players and the coaches, need to work together. This is a good challenge, one we should tackle with full zeal and determination,” said Whatmore.
He said that his three main objectives as head-coach are to do well in the ICC World League 2, improve Nepal’s ICC ranking and improve Nepal’s grassroots cricket. Along with that, he said he will act as a consultant to the U19 and women’s cricket teams.
Whatmore, a native of Australia, has the experience of coaching test-playing teams like Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He famously won the 1996 World Cup as coach of Sri Lanka. Recently, he coached the Singapore national team.
His first assignment is likely to be tri-series against Oman and USA in Oman due to be held in March 2021.
