KATHMANDU: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has welcomed the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) central elections.

The elections were conducted more than three years after Nepal’s national cricket body was suspended in 2016 for breach of the ICC’s regulations which prohibit government interference and require free and fair elections.

ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja, who has lead ICC’s ongoing efforts focused on the reinstatement of CAN, said: “We are delighted with the momentous developments in Kathmandu, which is the culmination of the ICC led governance reform process over the last three years and has resulted in a united cricket fraternity in Nepal.

“My congratulations go out to all Nepal cricket stakeholders including the fans, players, administrators, as well as the Nepal Government and the National Sports Council on this historic milestone. I am particularly thankful to the Nepal Advisory Group who formulated the current CAN constitution, and the Independent Panel who have overseen the election process at district, provincial and central levels.

“Over the last three years, Nepal cricket has reached new heights, with their men’s team obtaining ODI status and registering its maiden ODI victory and the women’s and youth teams performing well in ICC Qualifiers. This progress vindicates the ICC Board’s decision to allow Nepalese national teams to continue playing even while they remain suspended as a Member.

“With a newly elected Central Working Committee in place, I am optimistic that Nepal will replicate this progress off-the-field too. A major prerequisite for the reinstatement of Nepal’s ICC membership has now been achieved and we will consider the next steps during the ICC Board meeting in Dubai next month.”