Kathmandu, April 24

Province No 3 will take on Province No 1 in the inaugural match of the Manamohan Memorial Inter-province U-16 National Cricket Tournament slated for April 26 to May 2 at the TU Stadium.

Teams from seven provinces are competing in the league-cum-knockout tournament organised by the Manamohan Memorial Cricket Centre. Province Nos 2, 4, 5 and 7 are in Group A, while Province No 1, 3 and 6 are in Group B.

MMCC President Thakur Gaire informed that teams were formed after conducting talent hunt programmes in all seven provinces for the 30-over-a-side event. “We found a huge excitement among youth cricketers and that shows the future of Nepali cricket is bright,” he added. “From next year, we will organise selection tournaments in all seven provinces before the national event,” added Gaire.

National cricket team head coach Jagat Tamatta said that the tournament could be a good platform for future national players. “The 30-over matches are important for cricketers to develop culture in the country. We need to organise 50-over and 80-over events in the days to come as such events might be gateway for the players to knock the national team doors,” said Tamatta.

The winners of the tournament will receive Rs 500,000, including cricket kits worth Rs 250,000, while the runners-up will take home Rs 250,000, including kits worth Rs 125,000. The best players will also get cash rewards.