Cricket stadium being built in Syangja to honor former Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane

A cricket stadium is being built in Syangja district to honor former captain of the Nepal national cricket team, Sandeep Lamichhane. The project has started in Thaple of Arjunchaupari Rural Municipality-5, the same area where Sandeep was born.

According to rural municipality chairman Prakash Tiwari, the stadium is being built with the investment of the municipality and voluntary support from local residents. The construction began this fiscal year 2081/82, with the aim of turning a flat grazing land at the top of a hill into a cricket ground.

“We started building the stadium this year with support from both the municipality and the people,” said Tiwari. “Right now, we are leveling the land. Since the monsoon has begun, work is paused for now. Once the rains stop, we will continue at full speed and complete it.”

The stadium site is located at an altitude of 1,907 meters above sea level. It has been named “Nineteen O Seven Arena.” The ground spreads in a circular area of 45 meters from the center, and is being constructed to meet national-level standards.

Experts from local, provincial, and central cricket bodies are giving advice on preparing the pitch. Chairman Tiwari believes that since Sandeep Lamichhane was born in this village and has made Nepal proud internationally, the stadium will both honor him and help develop new cricketing talent.

The chairman also mentioned that the village of Sirubari, known as South Asia’s first community homestay, is located about half an hour from the stadium. He sees potential to promote both cricket and tourism together in the region.

Once the stadium is completed, plans are in place to host national-level cricket tournaments. The rural municipality hopes this project will help discover and develop young talent. A separate practice area will also be made for training purposes.