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

By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Dec 23, 2025 11:00 AM • 20 views

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. 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.