Why Is Tribhuvan University Trying to Remove the Cricket Stadium?

The government has invested approximately NPR 200 crore so far to develop the Tribhuvan University grounds into a well-organized international-level cricket stadium. However, Tribhuvan University’s ultimatum has raised concerns about casting uncertainty over Nepalese cricket. On April 17, Tribhuvan University issued a notice with a 35-day ultimatum to 18 organizations to vacate its encroached land. The 25-year lease agreement with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is also expiring this month. Youth and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel has stated that the lease agreement of the Tribhuvan University cricket ground will be renewed soon.

On April 17, Tribhuvan University issued notices with a 35-day ultimatum directing concerned bodies to vacate land under its ownership that has been encroached upon. Among the 18 organizations served the ultimatum is the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). According to a report prepared by the University’s Land and Property Investigation Committee, more than 2,000 ropani of land are being utilized by these 18 organizations. CAN has been using its portion as a cricket ground. The 25-year lease for the cricket ground held by CAN expires this month, which is why Tribhuvan University has issued the 35-day notice asking CAN to vacate the space.

The University also concluded that large sporting events disrupt academic research and studies for several months. CAN initially signed the agreement with Tribhuvan University through the National Sports Council (Rakhap) in 2002. According to CAN General Secretary Binay Raj Pandey, the land had previously been used as a motorcycle practice area before the agreement was signed. Since then, CAN has developed the area with boundary walls and floodlights into a proper cricket stadium. CAN has been utilizing the ground for international matches. According to CAN, the government has already invested about NPR 200 crore to upgrade it to an international-standard stadium. However, Tribhuvan University’s ultimatum has created fears of uncertainty surrounding Nepalese cricket.

Former CAN President Pandey remarked, “If the Tribhuvan University ground is removed, it will cause irreparable damage to Nepalese cricket. Currently, Nepal has limited alternatives for international standards. Forceful or contentious measures will not resolve the issue; a mutually beneficial agreement must be reached.” The government led by Prime Minister Sushil Karki had approved a master plan to develop this ground within the Tribhuvan University campus into an international cricket stadium. The master plan estimates the construction cost at approximately NPR 1 billion. CAN spokesperson Chumbi Lama pointed out that the absence of the Tribhuvan University cricket stadium would set Nepalese cricket back significantly. Last fiscal year, the government invested around NPR 850 million for upgrades, including NPR 437.7 million for boundary walls and NPR 421.9 million for floodlight installation.

Despite this, Tribhuvan University has issued an ultimatum to CAN to vacate the land. CAN has regularly hosted international matches on this home ground. Until the multipurpose ground in Mulpani is ready, competitions including the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have been held there. Former national cricket team captain Lekh Bahadur Kshetri emphasized that as Nepalese cricket is on the rise internationally, any obstacle from the state or university toward its development would be against national interests. Kshetri stated, “The Tribhuvan University ground is not just a sports venue but a national asset. It is wrong for the university to abruptly attempt to remove a stadium with a 30-year history.”

CAN is eager to extend the lease agreement with Tribhuvan University. In a board meeting held on March 6, CAN decided to request an extension of the lease through the National Sports Council (Rakhap) and the government. CAN has sent letters to Rakhap and the Ministry of Youth and Sports regarding the lease renewal. Youth and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel confirmed that the lease agreement with Tribhuvan University will be renewed soon. While briefing on the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s decision, he noted that discussions took place today with Tribhuvan University’s Vice-Chancellor and senior officials. He said, “There was a meeting this morning with the university’s Vice-Chancellor. Positive things were discussed. The land will not be vacated; instead, the lease agreement will be renewed. The state has made a significant investment, and this is state property. The lease agreement will definitely be renewed.”