Lalitpur, January 23

Australian coach Davenell Frederick ‘Dav’ Whatmore said he would be happy to share his knowledge with Nepali cricketers to enhance their performance in upcoming matches.

“Nepal have very important competitions coming up against Kenya. Not just Kenya but beyond, Nepal need to put their best effort and compete as hard as they can. If I can play a small part in sharing my knowledge to increase their performance I would be more than happy to do that,” said Whatmore, who is here to conduct the High Performance Training for Nepali cricketers upon invitation from Bat and Ball Foundation. Whatmore will also conduct two-day clinic for local coaches.

Whatmore, who coached Sri Lanka to the 1996 World Cup victory, launched the Bat and Ball Foundation (B2F) today. The former Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe coach Whatmore will train Nepali national team from January 25 to February 7. Nepal have been preparing for the matches against Kenya in the fifth round of the ICC World Cricket League Championship to be held at Tribhuvan University Stadium on March 11 and 13.

Whatmore launched the B2F by signing on the map of Nepal along with Chairman Paras Shakya, Executive Director Bhawana Ghimire, National cricket team skipper and Cricket Players Association of Nepal General Secretary Paras Khadka, former national team captain Binod Das and 2014 Miss Nepal Subin Limbu. Industrialist Basant Chaudhary is the patron of the foundation. “A big thanks to B2F for inviting me. I am fortunate to go around most part of the world with the sport. The foundation is looking to achieve something big and I am ready to assist in making B2F bigger, stronger and financially sound,” said Whatmore.

CPAN General Secretary Khadka said two weeks with Whatmore would be wonderful for Nepali cricketers. “We are looking forward to learn from him and we would like to make the best use of his coaching,” said Khadka. “B2F’s initiative in bringing Whatmore to Nepal is fantastic,” said Khadka. “We will have 32 players in the High Performance Training, while around 20 coaches will take part in the coaches clinic,” Khadka added.

B2F Chairman Shakya said the foundation would provide right opportunities to young cricketers. “B2F is a project primarily initiated to create platform for players, modernise cricket, connect the society with the spirit of cricket as a culture,” said Shakya. “And we coordinate with social organisations, schools and colleges apart from working towards identifying young players who need right coaching and facilities,” said Shakya. “We are planning to have our own cricket academy by 2018.” Executive Director Ghimire said B2F wanted to create inclusive and accessible opportunities for the people across Nepal irrespective of their ability, age, gender and ethnic origin. “B2F shall use the power of sport as a vehicle for achieving social harmony and cohesiveness,” said Ghimire.