Cricket administrators from across Asia are coming to Kathmandu next month. The ICC Asia Conference 2026 will run from November 19 to 21, according to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announcement reported on October 16 and 17. Delegates are expected to start arriving on November 17.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is organising the conference, and CAN will manage it locally. Delegates are expected from Asian Test-playing nations and Associate Member nations. The stated aims are cricket development, regional cooperation and sustainable growth of the sport.
Timing with the NPL
The conference falls in the closing stage of the third Nepal Premier League (NPL), which runs from October 26 to November 21. The ICC has officially sanctioned this edition. Visiting delegates are expected to watch the NPL Eliminator and final, giving them a first-hand look at the tournament’s organisation, facilities, crowd management and playing conditions.
What hosting could offer
- Visibility : Nepal’s cricket leaders get a chance to present the country’s progress, facilities, domestic competitions and needs directly to regional decision-makers. But hosting a conference does not automatically bring new funding, international fixtures or a change in membership status. Those need separate decisions. A showcase for the NPL. If delegates are impressed, the league could draw wider international attention. The effect depends on what they see and on whether follow-up talks, partnerships or investment come out of it.
- Shared knowledge: Meetings like this can lead to exchanges on coaching and player development, umpiring, women’s and youth cricket, sports science and fitness, tournament operations, broadcasting and commercial growth, and governance and integrity. These are possible benefits, not commitments from the ICC. CAN has not said what workshops or agreements are planned.
The wider picture
ICC had invested nearly US$5 million in Nepal’s cricket development over the previous two years, and that Nepal had been awarded co-hosting rights for the 2027 Under-19 Women’s World Cup.
What would count as success
The real measure is what follows. Signs to watch for include:
- new bilateral series or agreements to play stronger teams
- specific ICC support for grounds, training facilities or regional development
- programmes for women’s cricket, youth, coaches and umpires
- partnerships with other cricket boards
- commercial or broadcasting deals for the NPL
- a published follow-up plan with commitments and timelines
Background
Nepal is trying to turn growing interest in its national team into more regular international competition, stronger domestic structures and better facilities. Hosting regional administrators, in the same weeks as a sanctioned league, fits that effort.
