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Road to England 2026: Nepal Hosts High-Stakes Global Qualifier as Fixtures Unveiled

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Sachit Subba

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Pathak Takes the Helm: New Coach Tasked with Revamping Nepal Women’s Cricket Ahead of Global Qualifiers

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NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD

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Heartbreak at Dasharath: East Bengal Stuns APF to Clinch Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship

KATHMANDU - Once again, Dasharath Stadium proved unlucky for Nepal, as the dream of winning an international title at home slipped away. In the final of the first SAFF Women’s Club Championship, Nepal’s APF Football Club lost 3–0 to India’s East Bengal FC, leaving 8,000 home fans in shock. The crowd in Tripureshwor was buzzing before the match, but defensive mistakes decided the outcome. APF fought hard, but three key errors led directly to all three goals for the Indian team. Mistakes at the back hurt the home team. East Bengal’s top striker, Fazila Ikwaput, scored twice and won the Golden Boot. The first goal, in the 21st minute, came after a defensive error. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/RQtR8geGmcFu3CWOBbIMZb1knLiV1BbmGhiO4jNt.jpg) APF left-back Manmaya tried to clear a pass from East Bengal’s Sarita Yumnam with a header but missed. Fazila quickly took advantage, and her shot deflected off APF center-back Gita Rana, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed as the ball went in. In the 35th minute, things got even worse for APF. Manmaya again had trouble clearing a corner, and Indian defender Ashalata Devi took the ball from her, drove into the box, and crossed it. Midfielder Silky Devi Hemam jumped highest and headed the ball past APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar, making it 2–0. A Nightmare Start to the Second Half. Any hopes of an APF comeback? The second half started badly for APF. Just 16 seconds after the break, any hope of a comeback disappeared. Goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar let a weak shot from Fazila slip between her legs and into the net. That soft goal ended the contest, and East Bengal controlled the rest of the match. They swept the individual honors as well. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/sjOHIFDNqgG6q4Qw6ukqgVnBSxhO3iDcyHUW9XpM.jpg) **Champions: East Bengal FC (Received $10,000 USD)** **Runner-up: APF Football Club (Received $5,000 USD)** Striker Fazila Ikwaput was the undisputed star of the tournament. With nine goals in just five matches, Striker Fazila Ikwaput stood out as the tournament’s top player. She scored nine goals in 5 games, earning both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Top Scorer awards, along with an additional $1,000 USD and her trophies. Additionally, East Bengal’s Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was judged the Best Goalkeeper, completing a total dominance by the visitors. Transport United FC took home the Fair Play Award. For APF and their fans, it was a tough loss. They reached another final but missed out on the trophy again, learning another hard lesson on the big stage.
Football

SAFF Club Women’s Championship: East Bengal and APF Set for High-Stakes Final Showdown

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale to the SAFF Club Women’s Championship as India’s East Bengal FC prepares to lock horns with the host nation’s powerhouse, APF Football Club, this Saturday evening at the Dasharath Rangasala. The championship decider, kicking off at 5:00 PM, promises to be a tactical battle between the tournament’s top two sides. East Bengal enters the final as the league leaders, having remained unbeaten with 10 points (three wins and a draw). The hosts, APF, secured their spot in the final as the second-seeded team with 8 points, coming off two wins and two draws. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/DA91C1n5W4nFcG0W1yPiUu4M448sQ02Y5NppcQ1L.jpg) **East Bengal Eyes Clinical Edge** For East Bengal Head Coach Anthony Andrews, the primary focus leading up to Saturday has been converting dominance into goals. The two sides met just days ago in the final group stage match, a contest that ended in a stalemate after the Indian side failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. Speaking at the pre-match conference on Friday, Andrews assured supporters that the team’s “finishing” issues have been addressed. “We do not view APF as a weak team. While the result of the last group match didn’t impact the standings, I am confident the team will put up a different performance in the final,” Andrews stated. “We know our weaknesses. The team morale is high. We created many chances previously but couldn’t convert them; in the final, East Bengal will create chances and utilize them.” East Bengal Captain Fazila Ikwaput dismissed concerns regarding the pressure of playing against a partisan home crowd. “Playing as the visiting team naturally brings some pressure, but East Bengal is focused on the game rather than the number of supporters,” Ikwaput said. “We have a strong opponent, and this is an excellent tournament. We will give our 100 percent throughout the game.” ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/tgM6GZ4tzTjxfUyNbQfNoACbNbLIscYAc92U9NTa.jpg) **APF Seeks to Break the ‘Stadium Curse’** On the opposing bench, APF Head Coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey confirmed that his squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. Pandey acknowledged that his team struggled on the frontline during the league phase but used the two-day break to sharpen their attack. “There were problems in the team’s frontline during the league phase. We have trained specifically to fix this weakness,” Pandey noted. “Having already competed against East Bengal, we know what to expect.” For APF Captain Anita Basnet, the match carries weight beyond just club glory. She touched on the venue's emotional history, where Nepali teams have often faltered at the final hurdle. “We are representing the nation along with the club. Nepal has suffered defeats in many finals held at Dasharath Rangasala. Therefore, we are very excited to win this title,” Basnet said. Basnet also highlighted the broader implications of the final for the players’ careers. “Many are watching the players here. If we perform well, it opens doors for opportunities with other clubs,” she added. With both teams looking to correct past mistakes and claim regional supremacy, the final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the championship.
Football

East Bengal Clinch Top Spot After Gritty Scoreless Draw with Hosts APF

KATHMANDU – In a tactical stalemate at Dasharath Stadium on Wednesday, Nepal APF Club drew 0-0 against India’s East Bengal FC in the final round-robin fixture of the SAFF Women’s Club Championship. East Bengal finished as group winners on goal difference, while the hosts settled for the runners-up spot. Despite the lack of goals, the match was a high-stakes rehearsal for the final, as both teams had already secured their places in the title decider before kickoff. **Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses** The first half was defined by a massive “what if” for APF. In the 40th minute, the home side was given a golden opportunity after a rare lapse by veteran Indian international Ashalata Devi. The defender lost her footing during a clearance, allowing APF striker Rashmi Kumari Ghising to pounce on the loose ball. With only the keeper to beat, Ghising hesitated inside the box and failed to shoot before the defence recovered. That moment likely would have changed the group standings.p up the pressure, searching for a breakthrough to silence the Kathmandu crowd. However, APF’s captain and goalkeeper, Anjana Rana Magar, stood tall, producing a series of crucial saves to keep her clean sheet intact. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/JMN0fxheSc3d6N0YFFesAC4xBBEihz1jX4SLsWYm.jpg) In stoppage time, APF had one last chance to claim victory and the top spot. Saru Limbu struck from distance, but the East Bengal keeper parried the shot to ensure the points were split. **A Strategic Draw?** While fans may have hoped for more clinical finishing, this match was a masterclass in defensive organisation from both sides. For APF, not capitalizing on Ashalata Devi’s error will be a talking point in the dressing room. Still, their defensive solidity against East Bengal provides a morale boost for the final. Watch, with the group stage formalities over, the pressure shifts to the final, where “almost” goals won’t be enough to lift the trophy.

Cricket

Road to England 2026: Nepal Hosts High-Stakes Global Qualifier as Fixtures Unveiled

Road to England 2026: Nepal Hosts High-Stakes Global Qualifier as Fixtures Unveiled

KATHMANDU – Kathmandu is now officially on the road to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, which will take place at the TU and Mulpani Cricket Grounds from January 14 to February 1, 2026. For Nepal, this tournament is more than just a competition. It is a clear test of how far the team has come at home. With ten nations coming to the valley, the prize is huge: a spot in the 2026 main event. **The Host’s Gauntlet** Nepal starts its campaign at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 18, with an important afternoon match against regional rivals Thailand. This game is a big draw for local fans. Thailand has often challenged Nepal in the past, so a win would give the team strong momentum for the rest of the group stage. After the first match, the Rhinos have a tough schedule ahead that will challenge their depth and consistency: * vs. Netherlands: Jan 22 (AM) at Mulpani * vs. Zimbabwe: Jan 24 (PM) at TU Cricket Ground * vs. Scotland: Jan 26 (AM) at TU Cricket Ground Moving from Mulpani to the main TU Cricket Ground for the second half of the group stage shows that CAN hopes big home crowds will help the team during the toughest matches, especially against strong teams like Zimbabwe and Scotland. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/pf0hAjbpuoZkYS3lP0obunzuaU2ssSCoWnLg39mf.jpg) **Global Heavyweights in the Valley** The draw has set up some exciting neutral matches that should offer high-quality cricket. The tournament begins at the TU Ground on January 18 with Zimbabwe playing the Netherlands, a matchup between two different playing styles. At the same time, top-seeded Bangladesh starts their campaign at Mulpani against the USA. Bangladesh is expected to win, but they cannot take the game for granted. Other key matches to watch are Ireland vs. USA on January 22 and a possible Group B decider between Thailand and Scotland on January 24. The wide range of teams, from Papua New Guinea and Namibia to Ireland and Bangladesh, shows how global this qualifier is. The Format: Survival of the Fittest The schedule is intense, with teams playing four group games in only nine days. There are two groups of five teams each, followed by a key second phase starting January 28. The matches from January 28 to February 1 suggest a Super Six or crossover playoff format. This is where tournament endurance comes into play. The top teams from the group stages will battle it out in a rapid-fire sequence of matches, culminating on Sunday, February 1. **A Watershed Moment** Hosting such a big event shows strong confidence in Nepal’s cricket infrastructure. Using both the historic TU ground and the newer Mulpani facility highlights Nepal’s ability to organize major tournaments. For the Nepali women’s team, the “12th woman,” or the passionate home crowd, will be a real advantage. Still, the schedule is brutal. Playing Thailand and Scotland in the group stage means they need to start strong. There is no warm-up; the pressure is on from the first ball on January 18. The road to England & Wales 2026 begins; all eyes will be on Kathmandu. For ten teams, the dream is alive, but only the most consistent will survive the high-altitude pressure of the Himalayas. ---

Pathak Takes the Helm: New Coach Tasked with Revamping Nepal Women’s Cricket Ahead of Global Qualifiers

Pathak Takes the Helm: New Coach Tasked with Revamping Nepal Women’s Cricket Ahead of Global Qualifiers

Harshal Jayant Pathak has officially taken charge of the Nepal national women’s cricket team, but his mandate extends far beyond the boundary ropes. In a press briefing held at the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground on Tuesday, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) unveiled Pathak not merely as a head coach for the senior squad, but as the architect for the future of women’s cricket in the country. "Harshal has been appointed not only as the head coach of the senior women's team but of overall women's cricket," confirmed Binod Kumar Das, CAN’s Cricket Manager. Das emphasized that the association is initiating a comprehensive revamp of the women's game, declaring, "Harshal will lead it." Pathak, who previously orchestrated Thailand’s historic rise to the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup, has signed a two-year contract. His appointment, first announced on December 16, marks a significant shift in strategy for CAN as it looks to professionalize the setup. Upon his arrival in Kathmandu on Sunday, Pathak cited the country’s cricketing culture as a primary draw. "I wanted to be part of Nepal's cricket because of their passion for the sport," Pathak said. "I have been following Nepali women's cricket. I am aware of their strengths as well as their limitations." **the Immediate Test: World Cup Qualifiers on Home Soil** Pathak enjoys no honeymoon period. His tenure begins with a high-stakes assignment: the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, which kicks off on January 18. Nepal will host the marquee event across the TU International Cricket Stadium and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground. The Rhinos will vie for a World Cup spot against a formidable field including Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Scotland, Thailand, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, and the USA. Ten warm-up matches are scheduled for January 14 and 16. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/Rfk3zXkJxJiYDCYYJ94DDpgD8eFJJXQnmGUGxrI5.jpg) **Despite the pressure, the new gaffer remains quietly confident.** "There is a fair chance for us to qualify for the T20 World Cup," said Pathak, drawing on his experience of guiding associate nations to the global stage. "There are several reasons to back this statement. First, the qualifier is at our home so that we will have loud support. Second, the opponents are not new to us." However, Pathak was quick to temper expectations with realism, insisting that the tournament outcome would not define the totality of his tenure. "It is a tournament we want to win. [But] even if we don't, it is not the end of the world," he reasoned. "There will be better days ahead." **A Vision for the Grassroots** Beyond the immediate glare of the Qualifiers, Pathak outlined a blueprint for sustainable success, hinting at the "Thailand Model" of rigorous technical discipline. His focus is on fixing the pipeline. "We will be teaching junior talents properly about the technicalities of the sport so that we don't have to allocate time for basics in the senior team," Pathak explained. He stressed that a competitive national side relies on internal pressure. "We also want bench strength," he added. "To produce more and more talent is a must for that." With a clear vision and a proven track record, Pathak’s arrival signals a new era for Nepali women's cricket—one that balances the dream of a World Cup berth with the necessity of building a solid foundation.

NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD

NEPAL PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FORCE THEIR WAY IN AS RHINOS NAME 24-MAN WORLD CUP PRELIMINARY SQUAD

KATHMANDU – The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has started its final preparations for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by announcing a 24-player preliminary squad. The group mixes experienced international players with top performers from the domestic league. The tournament will begin in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, 2026. Nepal’s selectors have chosen a "retention plus reward" approach, keeping the main group that beat the West Indies 2-1 earlier this year and adding eight standout players from the recent Nepal Premier League (NPL). **Continuity Meets Form** The headline from the announcement is the preservation of the 16-man unit that stunned the West Indies in September and October. This decision underscores a maturity in Nepal's selection philosophy: prioritizing unit cohesion and rewarding the group that has already proven it can punch up against heavyweights. Key pillars of the side—including skipper Rohit Paudel, dynamic all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, and spin spearhead Sandeep Lamichhane—remain the first names on the team sheet. Their unbeaten run at the Asia-Pacific Regional Final in Oman, which secured this World Cup berth, has clearly put them in good standing with the bank. Still, the squad is open to new talent. The NPL has helped eight players earn a chance with the national team. Notable names include Binod Bhandari and Abinash Bohara, who impressed in domestic matches. Sher Malla and Basir Ahamad also join, giving coaches more options for the spin-friendly pitches expected in the sub-continent. **The "Group of Death" Awaits** This training camp is especially important because Nepal is in a tough Group C. They will face strong teams like England and the West Indies, as well as Bangladesh and Italy. To succeed in this group, Nepal will need more than determination. They will need to be flexible with their tactics. Adding players like Bhim Sharki and Ishan Pandey shows the team wants more batting depth to face fast bowlers. Bringing back experienced players like Sompal Kami and Karan KC gives the bowling attack strong leaders. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/DUJ6B5Q6GJL6FqohXndmAkEfea6IO17sTZ0tnPhm.jpg) **The Cut to Fifteen** The 24 players will now join a high-intensity training camp, where the group will be reduced to the final 15-man squad required by the ICC. Since co-hosts India have already announced their team, Nepal must decide on their final lineup soon. This will be Nepal’s second T20 World Cup in a row and their third overall. The team’s outlook has changed. After beating the West Indies and dominating in qualifying, Nepal is now aiming to make a real impact at the World Cup. **Analyst’s Take**: This squad is designed to compete, not just take part. The selectors understand that conditions in India and Sri Lanka will favor spin and technical skills. By mixing top NPL performers with the core group that beat the West Indies, Nepal is building strong competition within the team. Choosing the final 15 will be tough, but it shows how far Nepal has come in world cricket.

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