KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 12

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Charles Lara is en route to Nepal to attend the ongoing Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League 2024 in Kathmandu.

In an official statement, CAN expressed its excitement, saying, 'We are extremely delighted to welcome Brian Charles Lara into Nepal's cricket fraternity.'

The arrival of one of cricket's greatest icons marks a historic moment for Nepali cricket and the NPL. Lara's presence is expected to inspire fans and players alike while bringing global recognition to the growth of cricket in Nepal, the statement added.

CAN Spokesperson Chhumbi Lama remarked, 'We warmly invite fans and the media to join us in welcoming Brian Charles Lara and celebrating his participation in the league's activities.' Lama also confirmed that Lara is scheduled to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu tomorrow at 8:20 AM.

In a video message recorded aboard his flight, Brian Lara shared his enthusiasm: 'Namaste, Nepal! This is Brian Lara, and I'm on my way to the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League. I look forward to meeting every single one of you. See you soon!'

Brian Lara played 131 Test matches and 299 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the West Indies, amassing 11,953 and 10,405 runs, respectively, across both formats.

He holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, having made an unbeaten 400 runs against England in 2004.