Kathmandu: The final match and closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 was held today at the Pakistan Embassy Plot in Kathmandu.
The tournament, organized from February 7 to 15, featured twelve teams from various Nepali clubs, including the Pakistan Embassy Team. Held annually since 2014, the event celebrates the shared passion for cricket between Pakistan and Nepal and aims to nurture young talent from both countries.
Baluwatar Cricket Academy emerged as the tournament champion, securing the winning trophy and a cash prize, while the Pakistan Embassy Team finished as runner-up. Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, Abrar H. Hashmi, along with special guests, presented trophies, medals, and cash awards to the winners, top performers, and tournament officials.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Ambassador of China to Nepal Zhang Maoming, Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar, Chargé d’Affaires of Malaysia Mohd Firdaus bin Azman, and other members of the diplomatic community. Former and current officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal, leaders of the Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network, Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association, and Nepal-Pakistan Youth Council, as well as representatives from media and civil society, members of the Pakistani community, and officials and families of the Pakistan Embassy were also present.
In recognition of the tournament’s legacy, seven Nepali cricketers who had participated in earlier editions and later progressed to Nepal’s national-level teams were specially honored.
Speaking at the ceremony, Iqbal Haider, Counsellor (Political & Education), highlighted the Embassy’s continued efforts to promote cricket at the grassroots level, noting the tournament’s role in developing emerging talent in Nepal.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Abrar Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement and sporting exchanges between the two countries. He announced that the 12th edition of the tournament in 2027 will expand to include 16 teams. The Ambassador congratulated all participating teams, especially the champions, and thanked supporting partners IME Global Bank and Filli Cafe, as well as broadcasting partners Action TV and Dish Home Media Network, for their live coverage reaching audiences across Nepal and beyond. He also commended the Embassy’s organizing team, match officials, grounds staff, and support personnel for successfully conducting the tournament.
