NPL S2 isn’t just cricket — It’s our story,” says Andrew Leonard through tears of pride
He’s spoken about Nepali players not as foreigners do, but like someone who has lived with their triumphs and heartbreaks.
KATHMANDU: As the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 races toward its finale, one voice has become as recognizable to fans as the thunderous cheers from the floodlit Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground — and it belongs not to a player, but to a man who calls Nepal his second home.
Irish commentator Andrew Leonard, affectionately known among Nepali fans as Taklu Dai, has been emotional throughout this season — not because of the runs scored or wickets taken, but because this league represents something far bigger than sport.
“Every time I step into that commentary box, it feels like I’m telling the story of a nation that refuses to stay small,” Leonard said, his voice catching with emotion between innings. “This league is not just about the scores — it’s about identity, pride, and the dreams of millions.”
During NPL Season 2, Leonard hasn’t just called games — he’s celebrated Nepali talent, culture, and resilience. From vibrant floodlit matches that draw cheers from Kathmandu’s terraces to young local stars seizing their moment, he sees the heartbeat of Nepal cricket in every play.
“From the roar when a young Nepalese batter hits a boundary to the way this tournament brings families together — this is more than cricket,” Leonard added. “I’ve watched other leagues around the world, but nothing compares to the raw emotion here.”
Despite being Irish, Leonard doesn’t see himself as an outsider. His journey — from playing youth cricket in Ireland to becoming one of the global voices of associate cricket — has been shaped by passion and connection.
He’s spoken about Nepali players not as foreigners do, but like someone who has lived with their triumphs and heartbreaks.
And for many Nepali fans, that emotional connection goes both ways. Social media has been filled with posts praising his warmth, his efforts to bring Nepali culture onto the global cricket stage, and even playful debates about whether the world’s love for the league sometimes overshadows Nepal’s own voices.
Leonard’s words have become part of the tournament’s soundtrack.
“I don’t just call cricket here — I feel it,” he said, eyes glistening. “When Nepal wins, I’m not just happy — I’m proud. This is where my heart is.”
