Championing Nepali Cricket and Sustainability
synonymous with Nepali cricket, is not only a former national team captain but also a visionary leader shaping the sport’s future in the country. Currently serving as the Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, Khadka has dedicated over two decades to Nepali cricket – first as a player and now as an administrator. Under his leadership, the sport has witnessed unprecedented growth, including the launch of landmark initiatives like the Siddharth Bank Nepal Premier League. Khadka envisions cricket as a thriving industry that fosters national unity, generates livelihoods, and positions Nepal prominently on the global sports map.
Beyond cricket, Khadka’s dynamism extends into sustainable living as he champions the future of electric mobility in Nepal. Partnering with Deepal, a premium electric vehicle brand, Khadka exemplifies how modern technology aligns with personal values of efficiency, style and sustainability. As a proud driver of Deepal’s SO7 variant, he celebrates the car’s innovative design and advanced tech features, appreciating how it reflects his vision of progress and excellence.
For Khadka, Deepal is not just a vehicle but a symbol of Nepal’s shift towards eco-friendly transportation and a brighter, sustainable future. In this issue of Business 360, Khadka speaks about cricket in Nepal and the reason why he chose Deepal. Excerpts:
How did you get into cricket?
As a young kid, I never had this dream that I would go on to play for Nepal. But the most important thing is that I played all forms of sports in school. My school was very supportive. The support that I received from my family has always been terrific. I guess it was written in my destiny that I had to become part of Nepali cricket one way or the other. I spent two decades playing cricket for my country, and now I am in cricket administration. I have spent almost 70-80% of my life in cricket.
How was the experience back then leading the national team as a captain?
I think it was a privilege. Leading your country in any sector is great. But the journey that our generation went through when we started cricket was not easy as cricket was not recognised as a sport then. However, now cricket is loved, endorsed and accepted by every Nepali.
Cricket has become an identity for every individual. And the most important thing here is that the entire country now comes together whenever Nepal is playing. Tomorrow, if we can establish this sport as an institution, as an industry, it will create a lot of opportunities. It is going to bring in a lot of tourism into the country. Cricket is something that I am totally surrounded by 24x7. So, I am very glad that even as a cricketer, I got to live some of the best times of my life. And hopefully, as an administrator, I can do even better.
This is my first electric vehicle, so it is different. It is more tech-driven. The screening, internal structures and interiors are well-furnished. If you look at the last couple of years, the EV market has really grown in Nepal. That’s the difference I feel. I have been driving the SO7 variant of Deepal and I love the design of the car – it is beautiful. I really love the exterior.
How do you see the state of cricket right now in the country, and what are your expectations for the future?
The game has grown tremendously. There is a lot of interest nationally, internationally and even from the government sector. People are ready to invest in the game at present. We just started the Siddharth Bank Nepal Premier League, which is probably the biggest event in terms of sports. There are eight teams participating in the tournament, with a lot of investments for each team. The matches are going to go live on international TV. There is huge enthusiasm. Teams have covered the whole country. All seven provinces have been represented. So, in that way, cricket has become bigger than how it was.
As the Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, what are your key priorities for developing cricket right now?
The most important factor would be developing the bench strength and grassroots cricket and establishing our own prominent league. The Nepal Premier League is important to us because with this league, we can generate a lot of international eyeballs and investments.
Some of the best cricketers can come and play here. Even at the national level, this tournament will provide a great opportunity for a young domestic Nepali cricketer to play and make a livelihood for himself. The industry in itself involves a lot of hotels, vehicles, hospitality, financial transactions and social engagement. All of these aspects come together.
What are your expectations from Nepal Premier League? How will it contribute to the development of cricket in Nepal?
First of all, the investments go to the cricket side of it, where the players benefit. Whatever money we generate and raise from the tournament, we are going to put it into our districts and provinces. We want to establish a professional setup at the district, province and central levels. Most importantly, it is about the engagement of everybody from that particular region. This tournament potentially could establish a sports culture in Nepal, where every representation from each team fosters a sense of belonging. If we can establish that culture, the league will grow and bring goodwill to the respective provinces, cities, the whole country and Nepali cricket in general.
Are there any challenges that you have faced in organising the Nepal Premier League?
There have been a lot of challenges. But as a former cricketer who has faced so many battles on the cricket field, you accept every challenge and take it as an opportunity. Nepal Premier League has been a vision for a very long time. It was about time we delivered it. We are grateful to our owners and sponsors – they have come on board quickly. We are starting this league and let us hope we can keep growing year by year.
You are the brand ambassador of Deepal. How did the partnership with Deepal come about? What attracted you to this brand?
I had seen the car on the road and really liked it. I was like, "Which car is this?" Then representatives from Deepal got in touch with me. For me, it was about taking the opportunity. Until you drive the car, you wouldn’t understand how good it really is. Physically, it looks great and it is very efficient. Especially for someone tall like me, it is a big, stylish and comfortable car.
You have driven other vehicles as well previously. What is the comparison like in the driving experience with Deepal?
This is my first electric vehicle, so it is different. It is more tech-driven. The screening, internal structures and interiors are well-furnished. If you look at the last couple of years, the EV market has really grown in Nepal. That’s the difference I feel. I have been driving the SO7 variant of Deepal and I love the design of the car – it is beautiful. I really love the exterior.
How does owning a Deepal align with your personal values and lifestyle?
It has great content value in terms of what it is priced at. This car could have been sold for 30-40 lakhs more. For me, it made sense – it is comfortable and stylish. As a cricketer, you understand the importance of catching eyeballs. With Deepal, it is similar; wherever I go, people associate me with Nepali cricket. Deepal, too, is a head-turner.
How do you see the future of electric vehicles in Nepal and what role could Deepal play in contributing to sustainable transportation?
The world is focusing on sustainable models with electric vehicles. Over the last two to three years, many EVs have entered Nepal, including Deepal, which is a premium car. From an economic perspective, as more cars are sold, people will associate ownership with a better livelihood. Nepal’s growth has made vehicles accessible, thanks to the banking sector. I hope Deepal can make its mark as affordable, sustainable and long-lasting while offering a premium feel to its owners. That is how I see it.
