Kathmandu, January 24, 2017:Â Bat & Ball Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation, was officially launched on Monday by former Australian cricketer and 1996 World Cup winning coach Dav Whatmore.
The Foundation aims at working in the development of cricket. “B2F is a project primarily initiated to create the best platform for players and to modernise cricket connecting the society with the spirit and culture of the game,†said Parash Shakya, President of the Foundation. “B2F will work with the social organisations, schools and colleges, and work on our own to identify young players who need right coaching, facilities and provide them with right opportunities,†added Shakya who is an ardent cricket fan.
According to Shakya, B2F has plans of building an academy that will have its own cricket ground by 2018 and promote cricket clubs across the country. “We are also glad to announce that we have established relations with Sydney Cricket Club for a long term mutual benefits,†said Shakya.
B2F’s first initiative is the arrival of Whatmore who will conduct a two-week high performance training camp for 32 Nepali cricketers. The Australian will also conduct a two-day coaching clinic for Nepali coaches. National cricket team skipper Paras Khadka said Nepali will make the most of Whatmore’s expertise.
“As players, we are very keen to undergo the high performance camp under him (Whatmore). His visit comes at the time when we are preparing for World Cricket League Championship matches against Kenya. We would like to make the best use of him. Its an exciting time for us as cricketers,†said Khadka.
The foundation has Wally Edwards, former Cricket Australia Chairman, as its advisor along with Kerry Edwards, Cassim Suliman, Chris Nunn and Bandula Warnapura as its advisors.
