Pakistan-Nepal Friendship Cricket Tournament Concludes in Kathmandu, Fostering Bilateral Ties
Kathmandu, Nepal – February 16, 2026 – The vibrant spirit of cricket and camaraderie reached its zenith on Sunday as the Pakistan Embassy in Kathmandu hosted the thrilling final match and concluding ceremony of the 11th Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament 2026. This annual spectacle, which ran from February 7th to 15th, showcased the enduring passion for the sport and its role in nurturing young talent across both nations.
The tournament, a cornerstone of cultural exchange since its inception in 2014, brought together 12 Nepali clubs, including a dedicated team representing the Pakistan Embassy. The event, as articulated by embassy officials, serves a dual purpose: celebrating a shared love for cricket and actively supporting the development of aspiring cricketers in Nepal and Pakistan.
Baluwatar Cricket Academy Triumphs
The culmination of the tournament saw Baluwatar Cricket Academy emerge victorious, clinching the coveted championship trophy and a substantial cash prize. Their impressive performance throughout the competition earned them the title, while the Pakistan Embassy team secured the respectable position of runners-up.
The prestigious award ceremony was graced by the presence of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi, who personally presented the trophies, medals, and cash prizes. These accolades were bestowed upon the winning team, outstanding individual performers, and the dedicated officials who ensured the smooth running of the tournament. The event also attracted a distinguished gathering of international diplomats, including the Ambassadors of Bangladesh and China, the Secretary General of SAARC, and the Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia, underscoring the tournament’s regional significance.
Recognizing Grassroots Talent and Future Stars
A particularly poignant moment of the ceremony was the recognition of seven Nepali cricketers who have demonstrated remarkable progress. These talented individuals, having participated in previous editions of the Friendship Tournament, have since ascended to represent Nepal at the national level. Their journey from grassroots participation to international representation serves as a powerful testament to the tournament’s impact on talent development.
Iqbal Haider, the Counsellor (Political and Education) at the Pakistan Embassy, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that the tournament embodies the embassy’s unwavering commitment to promoting cricket at the grassroots level. He emphasized its crucial role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent within Nepal.
Expanding Horizons for Future Tournaments
In his closing address, Ambassador Hashmi reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to fostering stronger youth engagement and enhancing sporting exchanges between Pakistan and Nepal. Looking ahead, he made an exciting announcement regarding the 12th edition of the tournament in 2027. This upcoming edition is slated for expansion, with plans to increase the number of participating teams from 12 to 16, promising an even more competitive and engaging event. This expansion signifies a growing commitment to inclusivity and a broader platform for young cricketers to showcase their skills.
The Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament continues to be a vital platform for building bridges through sport, celebrating shared heritage, and investing in the future of cricket in both nations. Its success underscores the power of sports diplomacy in fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between countries.
