Nepal national cricket team has been officially confirmed to take part in the 2025 edition of the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia. This announcement marks a significant development for Nepal cricket, as it provides the team a valuable opportunity to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup Asia-EAP Qualifier, scheduled for October in Oman.
The Top End T20 Series, a tournament organised by Northern Territory Cricket, has become a notable platform for emerging cricketing nations and development squads from Full Member countries. Previously, the series has featured sides like Bangladesh A, Pakistan A, and teams from Australia’s Big Bash League. This year, Nepal becomes the first confirmed international team for the event, which will be held from August 14 to 24.
Nepal will play a minimum of six matches in the tournament, which is expected to feature three other international or high-performance teams. The games will be held across three key venues in the Northern Territory — DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, and Cazaly’s Arena. These venues are known for their unique playing conditions and offer a great testing ground for visiting teams preparing for high-stakes tournaments.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has expressed strong optimism about the tour. Paras Khadka, former captain and current secretary of CAN, stated that this series is more than just a competitive tournament — it is a golden chance for Nepal to prepare in challenging conditions. According to Khadka, playing in Australia will help the team gain invaluable exposure and develop further as professionals, particularly with the Asia regional qualifiers just a couple of months away.
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey echoed similar sentiments, stating that Nepal’s inclusion is a significant milestone for the tournament. He highlighted the passionate fan following that Nepal carries, both at home and within the growing Nepali diaspora in Australia. The Nepalese community in the Northern Territory has grown rapidly in recent years, and their support is expected to create a vibrant and festive environment during the matches.
Nepal will arrive in Darwin in early August to allow the players ample time to acclimatise to the Australian conditions. This move is aimed at ensuring the team makes the most out of the competition, both in terms of results and learning experience. The coaching staff, led by former Australian international Stuart Law, will focus on refining the team’s strategies and strengthening their mental preparation.
Law, who recently took charge of Nepal’s national team, is expected to bring a fresh approach and international insight into the camp. He has already overseen the team in a tri-nation series in Scotland earlier this year, where Nepal put up a spirited performance and reached the final. His experience with various international teams is seen as a vital asset in Nepal’s quest to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Adding further excitement to their calendar, Nepal is also scheduled to play a historic T20I bilateral series against the West Indies in Sharjah later in September. This series will give Nepal a rare chance to go head-to-head with a full-member nation, helping to raise their game and attract more attention on the global stage.
With a packed and purposeful schedule ahead, Nepal’s participation in the Top End T20 Series is expected to play a central role in their preparation roadmap. For a team that has steadily climbed the ranks in associate cricket, this tour represents both a challenge and a chance — to showcase their potential, learn from higher-quality opposition, and galvanise a team that dreams of making it to the grandest T20 stage of all.
The full list of participating teams and the complete fixture list for the Top End T20 Series will be announced soon, but Nepal’s early confirmation has already brought a wave of excitement among fans and officials alike. The stage is set for another bold step in Nepal cricket’s remarkable journey.