CAN: Dhoni's visit another opportunity to promote Nepal

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is looking to use the Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s visit to Kathmandu as a platform to promote Nepal in the cricketing world and possibly boost bilateral ties with the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI).

Confirming the Indian cricket captain’s visit on Saturday, the CAN told reporters on Tuesday that his day-long visit to the Capital would provide another chance to promote Nepal as a neutral venue for big international matches, and a possible tie-up with the BCCI to draft in the regional cricket league of India is also foreseeable.

According to the association, Dhoni will be visiting the TU Cricket ground on Saturday, where he will hold an interaction programme with the senior cricketers and the U-19 team of the country. “His visit will help the CAN establish good relationship with the BCCI which will be useful to develop Nepali cricket,” said CAN President Tanka Angbuhang, thanking the contribution made by The Indian Embassy to Nepali cricket. He was referring to he Ambassador’s Cup organised by the embassy and the scholarship to women cricketers.  CAN General Secretary Ashok Nath Pyakhurel was of the view that the presence of international media during the visit will introduce Nepali cricket and the venue to the outside world, promoting Nepal as a neutral venue especially among the test playing nations.

After his short visit to TU Cricket ground, the Indian cricketer will sit for an interaction programme at the Yak and Yeti Hotel. He will wrap up his visit on Sunday, with a visit to the Pashupati Nath temple.

Dhoni is coming to Kathmandu on the official invitation of the Indian Embassy during a break from his busy playing schedule. The Embassy also takes the visit as an important factor in the development of Nepali cricket, said Apoorva Srivastava, the first secretary of the embassy.

source: The Kathmandu Post,13 June 2012