Kathmandu, Feb 15: 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, marking the successful conclusion of the annual cricketing event aimed at strengthening sporting ties between Nepal and Pakistan.
Organized from February 7 to 15, the tournament featured twelve teams representing various Nepali cricket clubs along with the Pakistan Embassy Team. Held annually since 2014, the competition promotes shared enthusiasm for cricket while helping nurture young sporting talent from both countries.
Baluwatar Cricket Academy emerged as the tournament champions, securing the winning trophy along with a cash prize, while the Pakistan Embassy Team finished as runners-up. Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, H.E. Abrar H. Hashmi, along with special guests, presented trophies, medals, and cash awards to the winning team, outstanding performers, and tournament officials.
The closing ceremony was attended by ambassadors of Bangladesh and China, the Secretary General of SAARC, the Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia, and other members of the diplomatic community. Former and current officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal, representatives of Pakistan–Nepal alumni and friendship organizations, media personnel, civil society members, and the Pakistani community in Nepal were also present.
In recognition of the tournament’s long-standing legacy, seven Nepali cricketers who had participated in earlier editions and later progressed to Nepal’s national-level teams were specially honored during the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Iqbal Haider, Counsellor (Political & Education), highlighted the Pakistan Embassy’s continued efforts to promote grassroots cricket and emphasized the tournament’s contribution to developing emerging players in Nepal.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Abrar Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement and sports exchanges between the two nations. He also announced that the 12th edition of the tournament in 2027 will expand to include 16 participating teams.
The Ambassador congratulated all participating teams, especially the champions, and expressed appreciation to supporting partners IME Global Bank and Filli Cafe, as well as broadcasting partners Action TV and Dish Home Media Network for providing live coverage across Nepal and beyond. He also commended the embassy’s organizing team, match officials, grounds staff, and support personnel for successfully hosting the tournament. #nepal
