Kathmandu : The final match and closing ceremony of the 11th Edition of the Pakistan–Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 was successfully held today at the Pakistan Embassy grounds in Kathmandu, marking another milestone in sports diplomacy and youth engagement between the two countries.
The tournament, organized from 7 to 15 February, featured twelve teams representing various Nepali cricket clubs, alongside the Pakistan Embassy Team. Since its inception in 2014, the annual event has served as a platform to celebrate the shared passion for cricket and to nurture young sporting talent in both Nepal and Pakistan.
Baluwatar Cricket Academy emerged as the tournament champions, securing the winning trophy and cash prize after an impressive performance throughout the competition. The Pakistan Embassy Team finished as runners-up.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, H.E. Abrar H. Hashmi, along with distinguished guests, presented trophies, medals, and cash awards to the winning team, top performers, and tournament officials during the closing ceremony.
The event witnessed the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including the Ambassadors of Bangladesh and China, the Secretary General of SAARC, and the Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia. Former and current officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal, representatives from the Pakistan–Nepal Alumni Network, Nepal–Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association, Nepal–Pakistan Youth Council, members of the media and civil society, the Pakistani community in Nepal, and Pakistan Embassy officials and their families also attended the ceremony.
In recognition of the tournament’s long-term impact, seven Nepali cricketers who had participated in earlier editions and later advanced to Nepal’s national-level teams were specially honored for their achievements and contributions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Iqbal Haider, Counsellor (Political & Education), emphasized the Pakistan Embassy’s continued efforts to promote cricket at the grassroots level in Nepal. He noted that the tournament has played an important role in identifying and developing emerging cricket talent in the country.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Abrar Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement and sporting cooperation between Nepal and Pakistan. He announced that the 12th edition of the tournament, scheduled for 2027, will expand to include 16 participating teams.
The Ambassador congratulated all participating teams, particularly the champions Baluwatar Cricket Academy, and expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests and supporting partners IME Global Bank and Filli Cafe. He also thanked broadcasting partners Action TV and Dish Home Media Network for providing live coverage across Nepal and beyond.
Ambassador Hashmi further commended the Embassy’s organizing team, match officials, grounds staff, and support personnel for ensuring the successful conduct of the tournament, which continues to strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Pakistan through sports.
[EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN KATHMANDU
PRESS RELEASE
4/2026
The final match and closing ceremony of the 11th Edition of Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 was held today at the Pakistan Embassy Plot, Kathmandu.
The tournament, conducted from 7-15 February, featured twelve teams from various Nepali clubs, including the Pakistan Embassy Team. The event, featuring since 2014, is conducted annually to celebrate the shared passion for cricket and hone skills of youth of Pakistan and Nepal.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, H.E. Abrar H. Hashmi, and special guests presented the trophies, medals, and cash prizes to the winning team, top performers and tournament officials. Baluwatar Cricket Academy won the tournament and received winning trophy and cash prize. Pakistan Embassy Team secured the runner-up position.
Today’s event was graced by Ambassadors of Bangladesh and China, Secretary General of SAARC, Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia and other diplomats. Former and current officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal and leaderships of Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network, Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association, Nepal-Pakistan Youth Council, and representatives of media and civil society; Pakistani community, and officials and families of the Pakistan Embassy also attended the event.
In recognition of the tournament’s legacy, seven Nepali cricketers were specially recognized, who have participated in earlier editions, and since progressed to Nepal’s national-level teams.
In his remarks, Mr. Iqbal Haider, Counsellor (Political & Education), highlighted Pakistan Embassy’s sustained efforts to promote cricket at the grassroots level, noting the tournament’s role in nurturing emerging talent in Nepal.
In his closing address, 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 participation of 16 teams. The Ambassador congratulated all participating teams, particularly the winning team, and thanked Ambassadors, distinguished guests, supporting partners IME Global Bank and Filli Cafe; broadcasting partners Action TV and Dish Home Media Network for live coverage that reached audiences across Nepal and beyond. He also commended the Embassy’s organizing team match officials, grounds men and support team for the successful conduct of the tournament.
Kathmandu
15 February 2026]
