Kathmandu, February 24:

Yeti Airlines offered employment to the 11 cricketers of the Nepali team, including those from the U-19 team that won Plate Championship in the U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The surprise announcement was made during a felicitation programme organised by Kathmandu District Cricket Association (KDCA) here today. Reservation manager of the Yeti Airlines Sharad Rana said that KDCA and captain Prafulla Vaidya have been given the responsibility of choosing the 11 players.

Quoting Ang Tshring Sherpa, MD of Yeti Airlines, Rana also urged other organisations as well to come forward with such packages for the sake of Nepali cricketers. “They will be our employers and will participate in the tournaments we take part in,” Rana said.

He said that the players will not be forced to join the duty. “If they want to learn, we will provide training.”

In recognition to the historical achievement of the youth cricketers, KCA felicitated the Plate Champions and presented them with a momento of appreciation. President of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Jai Kumar Nath Shah, vice-president TB Shah and other members were also present on the occasion.

Secretary of the CAN Laxman Prashad Bastola said that Nepali cricketers have now succeeded to earn respect among the cricketing world. “Our boys have proved themselves that they are no more the minnows,” Bastola said. He also added that the CAN had a greater responsibility to form such a strong U-19 team as most of the players would be promoted in the senior team.

Coach Roy Luke Dias said that Nepali team had great potential. “If they can believe in themselves, they can gain greater heights,” Dias said. “I am proud of my boys and the country should be proud of them as well,” said the former Sri Lankan Test player. He also thanked media and the fans for their tremendous support for the team’s success.

KDCA president Diwakar Ghale, who is also the member of CAN, said that Yeti Airlines are to be thanked for their initiation. “We can not compare cricket with football in terms of financial rewards to the players, but the recent development in cricket will definitely encourage youngsters towards the sport,” Ghale said.

“The achievement is a big one for Nepal and they should be honoured for their efforts.” He also said that KDCA would resume the cricket tournaments which could not be held for years. “Without regular tournaments, it will be foolish to think about producing quality players,” he said.