In a landmark announcement poised to significantly broaden cricket’s global footprint, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed a historic three-match T20 International series against Nepal. These inaugural bilateral encounters between the two nations are scheduled to take place in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, marking a pivotal moment for both teams and the wider international cricket community.
Before touring India, West Indies set to play maiden T20I series versus Nepal
This groundbreaking series, officially hosted by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), comes at a crucial juncture for Nepal. As the 18th-ranked T20I side, Nepal are in vital preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, slated for later this year. Facing a formidable opponent like the West Indies, who are two-time T20 World Cup champions and currently ranked fifth in the format, will provide Nepal with invaluable high-caliber exposure and experience, crucial for their qualifying campaign.
Chris Dehring, CEO of CWI, underscored the broader implications of this series beyond the boundaries of competitive play. “This series is more than just a set of international matches—it’s a celebration of the game’s expanding global footprint and a testament to what cricket represents: pride, purpose, and the power of unity,” Dehring said in his official statement. He further emphasized CWI’s responsibility as a full-member nation to contribute to the sport’s development worldwide.
The initiative highlights CWI’s commitment to fostering cricket’s growth in emerging nations, a long-standing objective for the governing body.
The strategic timing of these matches is notable. For Nepal, it represents a crucial opportunity to assess their progress and fine-tune their strategies against a top-tier international opponent. For the West Indies, the series serves as a preparatory platform ahead of their high-profile tour of India, which commences on October 2. However, given the close proximity to the demanding India tour, there is a possibility that several first-choice West Indies players, including white-ball captain Shai Hope and pacer Alzarri Joseph, may be rested or unavailable. This scenario could open doors for emerging talent within the West Indies squad to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
Despite the matches being held at a neutral venue in Sharjah – a stadium well-acquainted with hosting international T20 cricket – Nepal will hold the distinction of being the official hosts. This arrangement underscores the collaborative spirit between the participating cricket boards and their shared vision for the sport’s global expansion. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is renowned for its generally flat and batting-friendly pitches, often leading to high-scoring encounters, although spinners can find some assistance as the game progresses.
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The announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm from both the cricketing communities involved and from global administrators. CWI extended its sincere appreciation to the Cricket Association of Nepal and the Emirates Cricket Board for their integral roles in orchestrating this historic series. The optimism surrounding continued partnerships to enhance cricket’s accessibility and appeal worldwide remains high.
“Supporting Nepal in this key phase of their cricketing journey not only builds the sport at the grassroots and international levels but also reminds us of the deep pride and honour associated with representing our nation and wearing our national colours. We are proud to stand with Nepal at this moment in their history and look forward to exciting and competitive cricket in Sharjah,” stated CWI.
West Indies vs Nepal 2025: Schedule
- 1st T20I – September 27
- 2nd T20I – September 28
- 3rd T20I – September 30
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