Bangladesh and Nepal have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties through cricket and sports diplomacy. Nepal's ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanashyam Bhandari, met with State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque at the Bangladesh Secretariat to explore opportunities for expanded sports and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ghanashyam Bhandari thanked the Bangladesh government and people for their support following the devastating floods and mudslides in Nepal's northern region. He highlighted the strong political relations between the neighbors and emphasized the potential for further cooperation through cultural and sports exchanges.
The ambassador proposed a bilateral cricket series, noting that the two countries had not played a bilateral series in recent times. "Especially for our people affected by the recent disasters, inspiration is needed. We request Bangladesh to organize a T20 series. Our team is fully prepared to tour Bangladesh. Likewise, we are also prepared to welcome the Bangladesh team to Nepal," said Bhandari.
State Minister for Sports Md Aminul Haque welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to using sports diplomacy to promote regional cooperation. "We strongly believe in sports diplomacy and are already working to expand cooperation in different sports," he said. The State Minister asked the Nepalese Ambassador to submit a formal proposal, after which Bangladesh would discuss the matter with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and take necessary steps.
Aminul Haque also suggested using Nepal's geographical advantages to improve the training and capabilities of Bangladeshi athletes, particularly by creating opportunities for them in mountaineering and related sports. The meeting highlighted the potential for closer Bangladesh-Nepal ties through expanded sporting and cultural exchanges, with cricket identified as a key area of cooperation.
The proposal for a bilateral cricket series comes at a time when both countries are looking to leverage sports as a means of diplomacy and mutual support. Cricket, being a popular sport in both nations, offers a unique platform for fostering goodwill and strengthening relations. For Bangladesh, engaging in such sports diplomacy not only enhances its regional standing but also provides an opportunity to support Nepal in its recovery efforts following the recent natural disasters.
