KATHMANDU: The final match and closing ceremony of the 11th Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 was held on Sunday at the Pakistan Embassy grounds in Kathmandu.
Conducted from February 7–15, the tournament featured twelve teams from Nepali clubs, including the Pakistan Embassy Team, celebrating the shared passion for cricket and nurturing youth talent since 2014.
Baluwatar Cricket Academy emerged as the champions, receiving the winning trophy and cash prize, while the Pakistan Embassy Team finished as runner-up. Trophies, medals, and cash prizes were presented by Abrar H. Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, along with other special guests.
The event was attended by diplomats including the Ambassadors of Bangladesh and China, the Secretary General of SAARC, Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia, officials of the Cricket Association of Nepal, leaders from the Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network, Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association, Nepal-Pakistan Youth Council, media representatives, and the Pakistani community in Nepal.
Seven Nepali cricketers, who had participated in previous editions and later advanced to national-level teams, were specially recognized for their contributions. Counsellor Iqbal Haider highlighted the Embassy’s ongoing efforts to promote grassroots cricket and nurture emerging talent.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement and sporting exchanges, announcing that the 12th edition in 2027 will expand to 16 participating teams.
He congratulated the winners, thanked all participants, supporting partners IME Global Bank and Filli Cafe, broadcasting partners Action TV and Dish Home Media Network, and commended the organizing team, match officials, and support staff for the successful tournament.
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