The Cricket Association of Nepal’s achievement of winning the award of ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year 2023 has been an acknowledgment of their rise in the field of cricket in recent years.
ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year acknowledges the outstanding innovative use of digital platforms, campaigns or technology by an associate member to drive engagement with fans and the wider community during the year 2023.
And Cricket Association of Nepal has received the award for its digital successes in 2023 with stunning increase in numbers on social media as they managed around 427% growth in reach on their Facebook channels and were thus selected as the deserved winner in this category.
“We are immensely proud to receive the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year award. This recognition reflects the collective effort of our entire cricket community including our fans who have been one of our greatest strengths over the years,” secretary of Cricket Association of Nepal, Paras Khadka said.
“By promoting the game for both our women's and men's cricket, we are trying to create a vibrant and inclusive cricket culture in Nepal. Our digital strategies have brought fans closer to the game, meaning a deeper connection and passion for cricket in our country, and this accolade inspires us to continue our mission of growing the game and engaging our fans in new and exciting ways,” Khadka added.
They recorded remarkable growth among their passionate fan-base through a range of engagement tactics.
And no doubt with such initiatives, they are further promoting the game to audiences around the country and beyond.
Their rise on social media in 2023 was similarly seen on the field as well as Nepal fans and their loyalty gained more accolades in the recently concluded Twenty20 World Cup held in the USA and the West Indies.
During the USA phase of the T20 World Cup, Nepal fans showed up in huge numbers at the venues, supporting their nation in the global tournament.
The group stage match between Nepal and the Netherlands was played at Grand Prairie Stadium and it was packed with Nepali fans, more than 5,000 cheering for their team with pride and passion, subsequently creating an amazing atmosphere.
"I have to say the fans were amazing. I'm not sure whether we are in Dallas or Nepal,” said opponent and Dutch bowler Logan van Beek at the innings break while commenting on the fan support of Nepal.
Even in the West Indies phase, their fans traveled to Saint Vincent to support the cricket team.
Nepal almost pulled off one of the major upsets in T20 International history before eventually losing by just one run against mighty South Africa.
Bangladesh also escaped narrowly in the last game of the group stage against Nepal as the Tigers were bowled out for just 106.
Nepal however, failed to hold onto their nerve and lost another golden chance to write history.
But along with the cricket team, Nepali fans made their mark on and off the field with constant support and it will surely grow in numbers in coming years with cricket becoming more and more popular in the country of Mount Everest.
