The biennial award, which carries a purse of Rs 2 million, is being given for the first time. The award will be handed out to the team amid a gala ceremony on Baisakh 1 (April 14).

In its citation, the Kantipur Foundation states: “The first-ever Kantipur Icon 2071 is awarded to Nepal’s national cricket team for the international acclaim it has brought to the country, for demonstrating collective grit and perseverance against material adversity, and for instilling hope among millions of Nepalis.”

The Kantipur Icon, which can be conferred to an individual, institution or a group for their positive contribution to the Nepali nation and national life, is an initiative of the Kantipur Foundation—a non-profit organisation promoted by the Kantipur Media Group.

The jury for Kantipur Icon 2071 comprises Professor Lok Raj Baral, Swarnim Wagle, Mohna Ansari, Akhilesh Upadhyay, Sudheer Sharma and Kailash Sirohiya.

“The jury followed the due process mentioned in the terms of reference outlined for selecting the winner, and the final decision was taken unanimously by the six-member jury,” the foundation said in a statement.

The foundation cited that the national team has made steady progress over a decade, culminating in its recent qualification for the T20 World Cup, the World Cup pre-qualifying stage, and for the World Cricket League Championship.

“The biennial award goes to the team for making Nepalis of all ages and station proud, many of whom did not follow the sport,” it said in a statement, adding that the cricket team has rekindled a new vision of national unity.

“Each time the team plays an international match, it brings together tens of thousands of Nepalis from across the world in real time on social media. The team has struck a chord with the younger generation that is yearning for national icons through whom to express their aspirations,” the statement

reads.

“The story of cricket in Nepal is one of individual effort and team spirit. The cricketers excelled despite working with modest means and limited resources.”  

Noting another outstanding feature of the cricket team—genuine representation of a rich swath of geographic, class and ethnic diversity—the foundation said, “Many of the players come from humble backgrounds and the less privileged corners of the country not always associated with achievement in national sports.    

“The Kantipur Foundation and the Kantipur Icon jury unanimously recognise that the cricket team is worthy of the award on account of its positive contribution to the Nepali nation and national life.”