Melbourne – In a groundbreaking display of sports diplomacy, President of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Mr. Chatur Bahadur Chand, accompanied by Mr. Prem Raj Upreti, President of the Nepalese Association of Victoria, embarked on a historic tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 12, 2024.

This unprecedented visit was made possible through the facilitation of Honorable Minister Enver Erdogan MP, holding portfolios for Corrections, Youth Justice, and Victim Support, along with the invaluable support of Mr. Jonathan Schomburgk, Government Relations and Infrastructure Manager (VIC) at Cricket Australia. The coordination of this memorable tour was masterfully orchestrated by Mr. Archit Agrawal, Advisor to the Minister.

Mr. Chatur and Mr. Prem, representing Nepal, became the first Nepalese dignitaries to be warmly welcomed at the prestigious MCG, a testament to the burgeoning relationship between Nepal and Australia in the realm of cricket.

Under the guidance of their knowledgeable tour guide, Mr. Tom, the esteemed guests were taken through the hallowed halls of the MCG, delving into its rich history and intricacies of its technical aspects. This immersive experience offered insights into the world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge technology that define the MCG, leaving a lasting impression on Mr. Chatur and his delegation.

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Mr. Prem Raj Upreti expressed his conviction that the exposure to MCG’s facilities and operations would greatly benefit President CAN in understanding the standards of excellence set by this renowned sporting venue.

Mr. Chand’s visit to Melbourne coincided with his participation in the historic 19th Nav Cup 2024, which concluded on March 10. This prestigious tournament, a signature program of NAV (Nepalese Association of Victoria), has been a cornerstone of sporting excellence for two decades, drawing athletes and enthusiasts from around the globe.

Accompanying Mr. Chand were Nepali National Cricket Players, Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla, further enhancing the representation of Nepal’s cricketing prowess on the international stage.

The historic MCG tour serves as a beacon of collaboration and friendship between Nepal and Australia, showcasing the power of sport in fostering mutual understanding and goodwill across borders. As Nepal continues to make strides in the world of cricket, such initiatives pave the way for greater cooperation and exchange in the global sporting arena.