The Cricket Association of Nepal announced a promising calendar for 2026 at a function in Kathmandu on Saturday. While informing of the cricketing activities for the year, the CAN stressed more on the infrastructure sector.

While the CAN has planned several international tournaments at the TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, it is still a question whether the governing body of Nepali cricket will be allowed to utilise the stadium or not.

Tribhuvan University had leased out the land used by the home of Nepali cricket to the CAN for 25 years. But the agreement is expiring at the end of Nepali year 2082 BS (mid-April, 2026). And whether the TU will extend the agreement or not is still uncertain.

“It is the sole decision of the University, an autonomous body, to or not extend the lease,” Minister for Science, Education and Technology Mahabir Pun said in a recent interview with Aajko Khel. “There have been several complaints from TU officials and students that the cricket activities at the TU Stadium have affected their academic activities.”

Pun further stressed that TU was a place for study and utilising the cricket ground every now and then had hampered the sole purpose of the university: to produce skilled graduates.

“However, until there are other options for the CAN, the lease agreement might be extended for some time, yet the right is with TU solely,” Pun said. “But one thing is sure, the CAN should search for other alternatives. There are lands at Mulpani, they can develop it.”

Similarly, the CAN also believes that the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground could be a proper alternative for now.

Citing that Nepali cricket requires more stadiums, CAN’s Secretary Paras Khadka, during the calendar revealing function, said, “We request the government to transfer the ownership of the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground to the CAN. We will develop it into a proper stadium.”

Khadka added, “We have investors ready for that project.”

Nonetheless, Khadka shared that the CAN would accept the decision of the TU regarding the decision on the lease.

The cricket grounds of Lower and Upper Mulpani are currently under the ownership of the National Sports Council.

“We request the government to invest more in cricket infrastructure throughout the country as well,” said Khadka, the former captain of Nepali men’s cricket team.

As per the 2026 calendar of the CAN, there are around 10 events planned at the TU International Cricket Stadium, which recently got upgraded with proper seatings and floodlights and the government sanctioning further plans for the stadium.