Wasim Akram: ‘Cricket interest in Nepal is humongous and only going to get bigger’

Little has been spoken of the third side in India and Pakistan’s Asia Cup group, but one of the continent’s greats says he is well aware of the growth of the game in Nepal.

Nepal will play in the top tier of Asian competition for the first time over the coming days, starting against Pakistan in Multan on Wednesday. They then face India in Kandy on Monday.

The majority of talk ahead of the competition has inevitably centred on Saturday’s clash between India and Pakistan.

But Wasim Akram, a World Cup-winner with Pakistan in 1992, suggests the rise of the other team in their group should not be neglected.

The former fast bowler says he has seen images of matches in Kathmandu showing frenzied support for the national team.

When Nepal clinched their place at the Asia Cup, thousands of supporters stayed for hours on the uncovered banks of the Tribhuvan University ground as rain played havoc with their final against the UAE.

As the players returned a day later to play the game to a finish, the ground was again over capacity, with thousands watching on from beyond the perimeter wall, with many viewing the action from nearby trees.

That is customary for big matches involving Nepal’s national team, and Wasim says it speaks of a great passion for the game there.

“I have been following Nepal,” Wasim said, speaking at the Asia Cup trophy unveiling in Dubai.

“They qualified and have done really well. Cricket interest is humongous there. I have seen the pictures from one of the matches where the stadium was packed, and half the people were sitting in trees outside.

“That is the passion for the game, and it is only going to get bigger and bigger. Congratulations to Nepal for the way they have qualified.

“Now they just have to improve