U-19 world cup fever is already hanging over Nepali cricket fans. Why not? As this is, so far the only chance when our National heros get chance to compete against the “big boys”. Previous editions of this junior world cup have shown lot of interest all around the globe and even more in Nepal. Who knew that, the opposing captain facing Binod Das would be Greame Smith one day? It would be a big fantasy to see that happening now.

Nepal have upset few of the “big boys” in the junior version. Nepal have played well in  all World cup and all Asia cup. Only thing that really annoys me is the seeding of the nations in this world cup. These nations participating in junior world cup should be seeded solely according to their performance in same level not because of their test status. This is hampering ours boys progress.

Nepal was seeded 11th on the list, why? Looking at the past junior world cup performances, Australia, SA, NZ and Zimbawae do not deserve for the automatic seeding inside the first 10 or even the automatic selection. This is what is hampering the progress of our cricket. Not seeding our team properly means we have to play another two strong nations (Aus and SL this time). Any group Nepal is placed is name group of death only beacuse of Nepals presence and performance.

Veswakar was one of the highest scoreer in last two editions, which saw Alistar Cook, the English man who have six Test century under his belt now. The lost hero, Kaniska Chaugain also had the similar feat. Binod Das was praised for his captaincy against SA in junior world cup, who was playing against Greame Smith, one of the finest captain in modern cricket. These are just a few examples. Most Indian players who played against Nepal in Kathmandu Klash in 2001 are the mainstay of Indian cricket now. IK Pathan, Munaf Patel, Dinesh Karthik all struggled against the Nepali boys at that time.

Its a time we need to raise again and show the world how consistantly we are producing fine “home grown” cricketers. I know, this time also some Shakti Gauchans’ will be compared to Dravids and some Paras Khadkas’ will be compared to Flintoffs.

Best of Luck boys.