From historic matches to a bold 66-day renovation, TU Cricket Ground shows what’s possible in Nepal. Discover the full story behind this revolutionary project.

If you’ve ever followed cricket in Nepal, even casually, chances are you’ve heard of the TU Cricket Ground.

Tucked inside the sprawling campus of Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, this isn’t just a sports venue. It’s where dreams have taken off, hearts have been broken, and history has quietly unfolded. For Nepali cricket lovers, TU Cricket Ground isn’t just about the game. It’s about passion, pride, and the promise of something bigger.

And lately, it’s been getting a serious glow-up.

Floodlights are going up. A permanent seating structure is rising. And finally, it’s starting to look and feel like a real international stadium, not just a field with boundaries and banners.

But to understand what this transformation really means, you need to know where it all began.

Let’s rewind a bit.

How TU Cricket Ground Became Nepal’s Cricket Capital

If you’ve ever been to TU Cricket Ground, you know it’s got a charm of its own. Maybe it’s the breeze from the valley, or the way the pitch glows under a winter sun, or the hills standing quietly in the background. Whatever it is, this place feels like cricket.

But back in 1998, it was just a field with ambition.

That year, the ground hosted its very first international match; Bangladesh vs. Singapore during the ACC Trophy. It was a humble beginning, but also a statement: Nepal was ready to host the world.

And it didn’t stop there.

In 2005, TU Cricket Ground made history by hosting Nepal’s first-ever first-class matches during the Intercontinental Cup. Teams like Malaysia, UAE, and Hong Kong came down to Kirtipur (not exactly your everyday tourist destination) to play serious multi-day cricket.

Now, just think about that for a second. A country with barely any cricketing infrastructure was suddenly hosting four-day international matches on home soil. For Nepal, that was huge. For the players? Game-changing.

And as Nepal’s cricketing story evolved, so did the ground.

From basic bleachers to a stadium that could host 13,000 to 20,000 fans, TU Cricket Ground steadily rose in size and reputation. It even earned proper cricketing ends; the Pavilion End and the Chobhar End. Like Lord’s or the MCG. Okay, maybe without the champagne bars, but the cricket? Just as real.

Ownership and Operations?

The ground belongs to Tribhuvan University, but it’s the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) that really brings it to life; setting up matches, training camps, and yes, even managing the chaos on match days.

For years, TU Cricket Ground served as the home turf for Nepal’s national team. This is where dreams were born, where stars like Sandeep Lamichhane learned to spin magic, and where fans packed the stands shoulder-to-shoulder, screaming their lungs out for a wicket or a six.

And the best part? All of this happened before the current wave of renovation.

So if you think TU Cricket Ground was already a big deal before, wait till you see what it’s becoming now.

The Ground That Grew With the Game

By now, you probably get it. TU Cricket Ground is no ordinary patch of grass. But what truly sets it apart isn’t just its history or location. It’s the way this ground has grown with the game, evolving alongside Nepal’s own cricketing journey.

Because for the past two decades, if something big was happening in Nepali cricket, chances are, it was happening right here.

The International Stage Right Here in Kirtipur

Let’s start with the global stuff.

Since that first match in 1998, TU Cricket Ground has hosted some of the most crucial fixtures in Nepal’s cricketing calendar. We’re talking:

• The 2005 Intercontinental Cup (Nepal’s first taste of first-class cricket),
• The 2010 World Cricket League Division Five,
• The 2011 and 2013 ACC T20 Cups,
• The 2019 South Asian Games, and,
• The 2023 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Regional Final.

And yes, Nepal’s debut in T20 Internationals happened right here, against Bhutan during the South Asian Games. Since then? The ground has hosted over 25 T20Is, with the crowd bringing the kind of noise you’d expect at a full-blown stadium in Mumbai or Karachi.

It’s the kind of vibe that makes players feel like they’re part of something big. And honestly, they are.

Why TU Cricket Ground Isn’t Just About the Big Leagues

Let’s not forget what really keeps cricket alive in any country: the domestic scene. And this is where TU Cricket Ground truly shines.

When it comes to homegrown tournaments, this ground has seen it all, from local hopefuls hustling for a spot on the national team to fireworks-filled finals with celebrity players and live TV coverage.

Everest Premier League (EPL)

You’ve probably heard of it. The EPL is Nepal’s answer to the IPL: fast-paced, franchise-based, high-energy T20 cricket. And since 2016, TU Cricket Ground has been its home turf.

It’s where young Nepali talents get to share the field with international stars like Shahid Afridi and Tamim Iqbal. Where players like Hari Chauhan get picked up in live auctions for NPR 85,000, in a country where cricketers once played for passion and a plate of lunch.

This is where local becomes global. And it’s all happening in Kirtipur.

Prime Minister One Day Cup

Then there’s the Prime Minister One Day Cup. A 50-over tournament that’s all about provincial pride and national potential.

Seven provinces. Three departmental teams. One fierce battle for recognition.

It’s more than just cricket. It’s a talent identification machine, offering a platform for players from remote districts to showcase their game at the country’s most iconic venue: TU Cricket Ground.

For many, it’s their first chance to be noticed. For a few, it’s their first step to the national team.

Nepal Premier League (NPL)

And now, there’s a new player in town; the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Launched as a high-stakes domestic tournament with a prize pool of NPR 3 million, the NPL is bringing next-level professionalism to Nepal’s cricket ecosystem. And once again, TU Cricket Ground is the venue of choice.

From elite branding to global broadcasts and structured player contracts, the NPL aims to give domestic cricketers the kind of financial and professional stability that was unthinkable just a few years ago.

With franchises, media partnerships, and a focus on quality, it’s raising the bar for what cricket in Nepal can look like.

It’s Not Just a Venue. It’s an Experience.

You see, what makes TU Cricket Ground special isn’t just the matches. It’s the feel of the place.

It’s the drum beats echoing through the stands when Nepal takes a wicket. It’s the fans waving flags from the hill above the boundary rope. It’s the roar that goes up when a local boy hits a six in front of a home crowd.

And every year, the stakes, and the energy, get higher.

From hosting regional legends to building a real cricket economy through leagues and sponsorships, TU Cricket Ground has grown into something way bigger than anyone imagined back in 1998.

Storms, Setbacks, and Rebuilding

Every great story has a crisis point. For TU Cricket Ground, that moment came in 2015.

The massive earthquake that year didn’t spare much in Nepal, and the cricket ground at Kirtipur was no exception. The walls cracked. Facilities crumbled. The venue that had stood tall during Nepal’s cricketing rise was suddenly on shaky ground, both literally and symbolically.

But here’s where things took a turn for the better.

Instead of abandoning the site or letting it fade into nostalgia, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and Tribhuvan University stepped in with a bold mindset. Not just to rebuild, but to rebuild better.

The reconstruction included far more than just patchwork repairs. The ground got a proper perimeter wall. A dedicated media box was added, giving journalists and broadcasters the space they needed. VIP seating was introduced, offering a glimpse of what a modern stadium experience could feel like. And perhaps most importantly, a new pavilion building started to take shape, marking a visual and functional upgrade to the stadium’s core.

These improvements were not just cosmetic. They were about readiness. TU Cricket Ground needed to be capable of hosting higher-profile matches, with better infrastructure for players, officials, media, and spectators. And thanks to this post-earthquake phase, it finally got there.

Fast forward a few years, and this foundation is what made the current rapid-fire renovation even possible. Because once you’ve proven that you can rebuild from rubble, building for the future feels a lot more doable.

Infrastructure Transformation

In 2024, the government finally gave the green light to upgrade TU Cricket Ground into a stadium worthy of its status as Nepal’s cricketing hub.And just like that, a full-blown makeover for the ground was set in motion.

Here’s what’s being built right now:

A 10,000-seat concrete parapet 

No more temporary scaffolding or grassy slopes. We’re talking about proper, tiered seating that won’t shake when the crowd erupts. The total budget for this: Rs. 16.2 million.

Yup, nearly half a billion rupees just to make sure fans can actually sit and enjoy the game. About time, right?

Six floodlight towers for night matches

This is huge. TU Cricket Ground has never been able to host a proper night match because it didn’t have the lighting for it. That’s now being fixed with six towering floodlights, at a cost of Rs. 17.3 million.

What this means: Once the lights are tested and turned on, we could be seeing day-night ODIs, nighttime T20s, and even bigger TV audiences. Imagine the next EPL final under the lights with a full house. That’s the kind of upgrade we’re talking about.

The (Very Ambitious) Timeline

Here’s the part that raised a few eyebrows: the renovation of TU Cricket Ground was initially set to be completed in just 66 days.

Yes, two months. In Nepal.

And surprisingly, it wasn’t just a dream deadline. Things actually got off to a quick start. The contract for parapet construction was awarded to BKOI-KCDC-BG JV, based in Tangal, Kathmandu. Meanwhile, the floodlight installation was taken up by Bishan-Ishwari Joint Venture from Gusingal, Lalitpur.

For a while, everything was moving. Foundations were being laid. Steel was going up.

Then the monsoon arrived. Fashionably late but highly disruptive.

Understandably, the contractors requested an extension of around two months. But here’s what makes this story worth telling: even with the delay, the pace is still impressive by Nepali infrastructure standards.

The parapet structure is visibly taking shape. The floodlights are in place. It’s no longer just a budget line in a government document, it’s actually happening.

And in a country where public construction projects often drag on for years, watching real progress unfold in weeks at TU Cricket Ground? That’s not just rare. That’s historic.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Now, you might be thinking, why make such a big deal out of chairs and lights?

Well, here’s why this upgrade is a game-changer:

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has a checklist. And TU Cricket Ground was falling short, especially in terms of seating, security, and lighting. These upgrades help Nepal meet those international hosting standards.
• With floodlights, matches don’t have to end at 4 PM. You get prime-time games, which means better TV ratings, sponsor interest, and yes, more revenue for Nepali cricket.
• Permanent infrastructure means we can now plan long-term. TU can become the go-to venue for high-stakes international games, big T20 leagues, or even potential regional tournaments.

In short, this isn’t just about looking good. It’s about future-proofing Nepali cricket.

Because if we’re serious about being competitive on the world stage, then our players shouldn’t be the only ones acting like professionals. Our stadiums need to step up too. And finally, TU Cricket Ground is doing just that.

The Engine of Nepal’s Cricketing Ecosystem

The TU cricket ground is quite literally a launchpad. The place where big dreams first meet real opportunity.

Building Stars, One Match at a Time

From the Everest Premier League (EPL) to the Prime Minister One Day Cup and now the Nepal Premier League (NPL), nearly every major domestic tournament circles back to TU Cricket Ground.

The EPL changed the game. It brought in franchises, foreign players, live broadcasts, and actual auction bids. It made performance count, and made players visible. And it all played out in Kirtipur, under the roar of a local crowd.

When Shahid Afridi stepped onto the field here in 2021, it wasn’t just a cameo. It was a moment. A statement that Nepal’s cricket scene had levelled up. And local players didn’t just stand by. They stood out.

Names like Hari Chauhan, Rohit Paudel, and Dipendra Singh Airee all sharpened their game at TU Cricket Ground. For many, this is where they got their first taste of the spotlight. For some, it’s where they earned their ticket to the national squad.

From Provinces to the National Pride

The Prime Minister One Day Cup brings together players from every corner of Nepal; seven provinces, three departmental teams, and puts them on a national stage. Provinces like Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Province 1, which rarely get attention, finally get a voice here.

And where do they get seen? TU Cricket Ground.

This is where scouts sit. Where selectors watch. Where performances get remembered.

It’s not an exaggeration; if you’re serious about cricket in Nepal, all roads eventually lead to Kirtipur.

The Road Ahead 

With new floodlights, permanent seating, and a reputation for fast-paced development, TU Cricket Ground is no longer just Nepal’s top cricket venue. It’s becoming a regional contender.

The upcoming inter-university cricket tournament, featuring teams from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE, and Bhutan, is a glimpse of what’s to come. With a prize pool of NPR 3 million, the event is more than just a tournament, it’s a statement. Nepal is ready to host. TU Cricket Ground is ready to deliver.

The upgrades happening now are not short-term fixes. They’re long-term investments in Nepal’s cricketing credibility. With day-night match capability, high-capacity seating, media-ready infrastructure, and enthusiastic crowds, TU Cricket Ground can:

• Host ACC and ICC qualifiers
• Attract regional and international franchise leagues
• Offer full training camps for national and U-19 squads
• Serve as a hub for international broadcasting

As Nepal pushes for greater recognition in the global cricketing community, having a venue that ticks every box; technical, logistical, emotional, becomes critical. TU Cricket Ground is that venue.

In a country where big projects often disappoint, TU Cricket Ground is setting a new benchmark. It’s moving fast. It’s building smart. And perhaps most importantly, it’s carrying the trust of the people.

This isn’t just a sports facility. It’s a national asset in the making.

Final Thoughts

On the surface, TU Cricket Ground is just a stadium inside a university campus. But anyone who’s watched a game there, or played one, knows it’s far more than that.

It’s where Nepal’s cricketing journey truly began.
Where unknown names became national heroes.
Where fans filled the stands, rain or shine, just to feel part of something bigger.

And now, it’s being transformed. Fast, visibly, and for the better.

The floodlights, the parapet, the speed of the renovation, it all signals something rare in Nepal: a big public project that’s actually getting done, and getting done right.

This isn’t just a facelift. It’s a reset. TU Cricket Ground is becoming a world-class venue, one that doesn’t just host matches, it shapes futures. For players. For fans. For the sport itself.

Nepal has always had the passion. Now, it finally has a cricket ground that matches it.

So if someone asks what makes TU Cricket Ground so special?

Simple. It’s not just where we play. It’s where Nepal dares to dream.

Additional Resources: 

• Nepal Rastra Bank Finally Has a Governor. Or Does It?
• New Governor, New Momentum: How NEPSE Index Reacted
• Why EVs Are Stuck at Customs: The Role of BYD Nepal and Dealers
• Unilever Nepal: How A Multinational Has Taken Over Your Home