Master plan for Kirtipur International Cricket Stadium approved

KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal has officially approved the master plan for the construction of an international-standard cricket stadium at Tribhuvan University (TU) premises in Kirtipur, designating it as a national priority project. The decision was made during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, following a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Urban Development.

According to the approved master plan, the construction of the Kirtipur International Cricket Stadium is estimated to cost around Rs 10 billion, and the project aims to develop Nepal’s first world-class cricket infrastructure capable of hosting international matches and global tournaments.

Government Grants National Priority Status

Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising, who also holds the portfolio of Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development, said the Cabinet’s decision marks a major step toward strengthening Nepal’s sports infrastructure and promoting sports tourism and international sports diplomacy.

“The Kirtipur cricket stadium is Nepal’s first international-standard cricket ground. Recognizing its national and international significance, the Cabinet has approved its master plan and listed it as a national priority project,” Minister Ghising said.

He added that the stadium’s expansion and modernization are strategically important for Nepal, as it will not only help the country host international cricket tournaments but also contribute to the growth of sports tourism, local employment, and urban development in the Kirtipur area.

Cabinet Directs Coordination Among Ministries

The Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council (NSC), and Tribhuvan University to sign a new agreement to ensure the land required for the stadium remains reserved for sports use. The existing land agreement between TU and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for the stadium’s use is set to expire in Baisakh 2083 (April 2026).

Under the new directive, all related ministries and agencies are to act in accordance with prevailing laws to finalize the land acquisition, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and other necessary approvals required for the project’s execution.

The government has also cleared the way for the tender process for the second phase of construction, allowing expansion works to proceed without delay.

Minister Ghising’s Field Inspection and Commitment

Minister Ghising had recently conducted a field inspection of the ongoing first-phase construction work at the Kirtipur cricket stadium. During the visit, he assured stakeholders that the government would prioritize the project as part of its national infrastructure development agenda, ensuring adequate budget allocation and preventing delays due to funding shortages.

“The master plan has been prepared to meet international standards,” Ghising stated, adding that the government is fully committed to completing the first-phase construction before the start of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), scheduled to begin from Mangsir 1 (mid-November).

Master Plan Highlights

The approved master plan envisions a multi-facility cricket complex that will include:

An international-standard cricket pitch and outfield certified by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Modern pavilions and player dressing rooms meeting ICC broadcasting and security guidelines.

A media and commentary box with digital infrastructure for international live coverage.

Spectator seating capacity exceeding 25,000, expandable for major events.

Floodlight installation for day-night matches.

Practice nets, gymnasium, medical center, and a cricket museum.

Parking and access roads connecting the stadium to the Ring Road corridor.

Officials at the Urban Development Ministry confirmed that the total investment will be mobilized through government allocation, private sector partnership, and international sports development grants.

Boost to Nepal’s Sports and Tourism Sectors

The approval of the Kirtipur cricket stadium master plan marks a milestone for Nepal’s sports sector. The facility will provide a permanent home ground for Nepal’s national cricket team, which has been gaining strong international recognition in recent years through participation in ICC tournaments.

Analysts say the project could transform Kirtipur into a sports and tourism hub, attracting regional tournaments, youth sports camps, and cricket academies. The proximity of the stadium to the capital city also makes it ideal for international broadcasting, training, and sports education partnerships.

“The Kirtipur stadium has immense potential to strengthen Nepal’s position in global cricket,” said an NSC official. “It will not only support professional cricket but also uplift the local economy through hospitality, transport, and tourism-related services.”

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

With the master plan now approved, the Ministry of Urban Development will move forward with the second-phase tendering and financing arrangements. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is being finalized, and construction materials are being mobilized to meet the completion target for the first phase.

The government aims to establish the stadium as a national icon of sports infrastructure, reflecting the country’s growing ambition to compete at international levels in both athletics and sports management.

National Importance and Economic Perspective

Declaring the project a national priority places it among Nepal’s strategic infrastructure initiatives, meaning it will receive direct Cabinet-level monitoring and annual budget assurance. The move also aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting sports diplomacy, youth engagement, and economic diversification through cultural and athletic development.

According to ministry estimates, the project will generate thousands of temporary and permanent jobs during construction and operation phases, while promoting local businesses in tourism, hospitality, construction, and services.

Once complete, the Kirtipur International Cricket Stadium is expected to be Nepal’s largest and most advanced cricket facility, capable of hosting ICC-approved tournaments such as the Asia Cup or World Cup qualifiers.