11th Pakistan–Nepal Friendship T20 Tournament Concludes in Kathmandu

The 11th edition of the Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament concluded on Sunday, February 15, with a final match and closing ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy plot in Kathmandu.

The tournament, held from February 7 to 15, featured 12 teams, including the Pakistan Embassy team. 

Organized annually since 2014, the event aims to promote a shared passion for cricket and support youth skill development in both Pakistan and Nepal.

Baluwatar Cricket Academy won the tournament, securing the championship trophy and a cash prize, while the Pakistan Embassy team finished as runner-up.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H. Hashmi, along with other invited guests, presented trophies, medals and cash awards to the winners, top performers and tournament officials.

The closing event was attended by the ambassadors of Bangladesh and China, the Secretary General of SAARC, the Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia, diplomats, cricket officials, members of the Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network, the Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association, the Nepal-Pakistan Youth Council, as well as representatives of media, civil society and the Pakistani community in Nepal.

Seven Nepali cricketers who had participated in earlier editions of the tournament and later progressed to Nepal’s national-level teams were also recognized for their achievements.

Iqbal Haider, Counsellor (Political and Education) at the Pakistan Embassy, said the embassy remains committed to promoting cricket at the grassroots level and supporting emerging talent in Nepal.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement and sports cooperation between the two countries. He also announced that the 12th edition of the tournament in 2027 will expand to include 16 teams.