Kirtipur Cricket Stadium master plan approved

KATHMANDU: The government has approved a master plan to construct an international-level cricket stadium within the Tribhuvan University (TU) premises in Kirtipur.

Thursday’s Cabinet meeting endorsed the proposal presented by the Ministry of Urban Development, granting the project national priority status.

According to the approved master plan, the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 10 billion.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising stated that the project holds national importance as it will be Nepal’s first international-standard cricket stadium, significantly promoting both sports and tourism.

He emphasized that the development and modernization of the stadium are strategically crucial for Nepal, and the government will ensure adequate resources for timely completion.

The Cabinet has also approved the land agreement, finalized the environmental impact assessment, and allowed the process for the second phase of construction to move forward.

Minister Ghising, who recently inspected the construction site, assured that the second phase will proceed without budget constraints and that the project will remain under the government’s top priority list.

The existing land-use agreement between Tribhuvan University and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is set to expire in April 2026 (Baisakh 2083).

The Cabinet has directed concerned authorities to renew the agreement under prevailing laws to secure the required land for the stadium.

Currently, the first phase of construction is underway, with authorities aiming to complete it before the Nepal Premier League (NPL) begins on Nov 16 (Mangsir 1).

The government envisions the new facility as a landmark venue for hosting international matches and boosting Nepal’s sports infrastructure.