Nepal seeks T20 series with Bangladesh to lift flood-hit people’s spirits
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque welcomed the offer and asked Nepal to submit a formal proposal.
Nepal's Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari has proposed a bilateral T20 cricket series with Bangladesh, saying people affected by recent floods and natural disasters in Nepal "need inspiration."
Bhandari made the proposal during a courtesy call on State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque at the Secretariat yesterday (10 September).
The two sides also discussed increasing sports and cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and Nepal.
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During the meeting, Bhandari expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government and people for providing assistance following the recent severe floods and natural disasters in Nepal.
Highlighting the strong political relations between the two countries, he called for greater bilateral communication and cooperation.
"Bangladesh and Nepal have excellent political relations. However, there is ample scope to further advance these relations through cultural exchanges and sports," Bhandari said.
He said no bilateral cricket series had been held between Bangladesh and Nepal in recent times.
"Especially, our people affected by the recent disaster need inspiration. We are requesting Bangladesh to organise a T20 series. Our team is fully prepared to visit Bangladesh. Similarly, we are also ready to welcome the Bangladesh team to Nepal," he said.
The state minister responded positively to the proposal and reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to using sports diplomacy as an important means of increasing regional cooperation.
"We strongly believe in sports diplomacy and are already working to expand cooperation in various sports," he said.
He asked the Nepalese ambassador to submit a formal proposal in this regard.
Necessary steps will be taken after receiving it, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), he said.
Meanwhile, the state minister proposed using Nepal's geographical advantages to improve the training and capabilities of Bangladeshi athletes.
He particularly called on Nepal to provide support and opportunities to Bangladeshi athletes in mountaineering and related sports.
The meeting also discussed increasing sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries and strengthening their ties through cricket.
