Kathmandu, Aug 3
Nepal’s cricketing sensation Paras Khadka shocked every cricket Nepalese fan on Tuesday announcing his the end of his fantastic international career. Khadka wrote, “With utmost clarity, respect and gratitude, I have now decided to retire myself from playing international cricket.”
The former national team captain played an influential part in uplifting the status of Nepal cricket from a Division 5 team to a international team with both T20 and ODI status. “Playing for Nepal has been my biggest achievement and for that I will always be indebted towards my coaches, players, fans, stakeholders and family for their continuous support over the last 18 years since I started as a young 15 years old back in 2002,” wrote Khadka.
He marked his debut for the senior national side in 2004 playing against Malaysia in the Intercontinental Cup.
The middle-order batsman who often bowled medium pace enjoyed an magnificient career ever since he made his foray into cricket. Khadka represented the country in the Under-19 World Cup in 2004, 2006 and 2008 while being part of the senior side as well. He led the senior national team for a decade starting 2009 before stepping down from the role in October 2019.
He is the first Nepali cricketer to score a Twenty20 International century (106 not out) against Singapore in 2019 and ODI hundred (115 runs) against UAE in the same calendar year. The T20I century was also a world record, as he became the first captain ever to score a century while chasing a total in a T20I.
“My ultimate dream is to see Nepal have a better cricketing system for which I have spent all my energy in the last two decades and to improve it will require equal support from everyone in the cricketing community and beyond. I believe with everyone’s honest effort and intentions, we will be able to do so,” added Khadka.
Every Nepalese fan would have loved to see their hero play a game at least for the one last time in the Nepalese colours. For now all we can do is thank the legend for his exceptional contribution towards the sport and for some wonderful memories during his service to the nation.