KATHMANDU: The Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced to provide Rs 3,00,000 each to Nepali cricketers for qualifying to 2019 World Cup qualifier, amid a programme organised to felicitate cricketers at latter's official residence in Baluwater, on Monday.

Earlier, Nepal qualified to the 2019 World cup qualifier as runner-up to UAE in the ICC World Cricket League Division II held in Namibia. The qualifier matches will be played in Zimbabwe from March 1-25.

While felicitating players and coaches, PM Khadga Prasad Oli said the government is positive towards sports development in the country.

Likewise, Madan Bhandari Sports Academy Chairman Vinod Shrestha also announced to award NRS 1,00,000 each to players and coaches in the same event today.

The cash prize will be handed over to the players and coaches before their departure to Zimbabwe on Saturday.

The top two teams will qualify for the 2019 World Cup to be held in England and Wales next summer.

Nepali cricketers have achieved this remarkable feat at a time when the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Without a single International standard cricket stadium in the nation, Nepal are compelled to play their home matches at neutral venues, despite having huge cricket fan following.

If Nepal are to achieve One Day International status and maintain top performance at the top level the domestic cricket structure needs to be revamped and cricket league should be established in the Country.

Current crop of players are exposed only to short tournaments held sporadically in few regions.