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🇳🇵 Nepal /Sports

TU Cricket Ground Lease Set to Expire Amidst Academic Concerns

From Kathmandu Post · (4m ago) English Mixed tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Tribhuvan University has decided not to extend the lease for the TU Cricket Ground, raising concerns among Nepali cricket fans.
  • The university stated that while the stadium itself is an asset, other encroachments need to be removed and any new agreement would be with the government, not CAN.
  • A committee comprising TU and government officials will be formed to find a long-term solution that prioritizes academic activities.

The future of Nepal's beloved cricket ground, the TU Cricket Ground, hangs in the balance as Tribhuvan University (TU) officials have firmly stated their intention not to renew the lease agreement with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). This decision has sent ripples of concern through the Nepali cricket fraternity, with fans expressing their dismay on social media over the potential loss of their 'home of Nepali cricket.'

The cricket stadium is an asset of the university.

— Kedar Prasad RijalTU's registrar clarifying the university's stance on the stadium.

TU officials, however, have sought to clarify their position, emphasizing that the stadium itself is not slated for demolition. Registrar Kedar Prasad Rijal stated that the stadium, built with public funds, is a university asset and they have no intention of destroying it. The core issue, he explained, lies with illegal encroachments on university land, which the university is determined to clear. Any future arrangement for the ground, Rijal indicated, would be directly with the government, not CAN, and crucially, must not disrupt academic activities.

We have never thought of destroying it. But we are in utmost need of removing other illegal encroachments.

— Kedar Prasad RijalTU's registrar explaining the university's priority is clearing encroachments, not destroying the stadium.

To address the complex situation, a committee will be formed, including representatives from TU and the government. This body will engage in thorough discussions with stakeholders and experts to devise a sustainable plan for the stadium's operation, ensuring that education remains the university's paramount priority. While the immediate future of the ground remains uncertain as the lease expires, the university is committed to preserving the stadium as a valuable national asset.

If we have to reach an agreement regarding the cricket ground, it will be with the government, not CAN.

— Kedar Prasad RijalTU's registrar stating the university's preference for direct negotiation with the government.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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