Kathmandu woke up to an exciting arrival this morning as Brian Lara, the former West Indies cricketer often regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game, landed in the city. Known as the “Prince of Port of Spain,” Lara attended the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU International Cricket Ground in the afternoon and took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the league, his career, and his visit to Nepal.
Upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Lara was warmly welcomed by Cricket Association of Nepal Treasurer Padam Khadka, Spokesperson Chhumbi Lama, and former Nepal skipper and Cricket Manager Binod Das. After settling in, Lara took some time to speak with us about his visit to Kathmandu, the NPL, and his legendary career.
A Dream Come True: Lara’s First Visit to Nepal
When asked about what brought him to Kathmandu, Lara revealed that this visit had been a long-awaited dream. “I started playing cricket at a very young age, and my first trip to India was when I was just 14 years old. I’ve heard a lot about Nepal and Kathmandu over the years, but during my playing days, Nepal wasn’t competing at the international level, so I didn’t get a chance to visit,” he shared.
He expressed his excitement about finally having the opportunity to experience Nepal. “When the chance arose, I thought, why not? I wanted to see the country, meet the people, and bring my daughter, Tyla, along to experience it as well,” he added. For Lara, this visit wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was also about meeting young, budding cricketers in Nepal and sharing in their enthusiasm for the game.
The Buzz Around NPL: A Growing Cricketing Culture
Lara also shared his thoughts on the growing success of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), which has made a significant impact on world cricket in its first edition. With large crowds attending each match and international superstars joining the tournament, the league has quickly gained attention.
He acknowledged Nepal’s position as a relatively young cricketing nation, which makes the presence of international players even more special. “It’s something very special for a country like Nepal to host international superstars. It’s just the beginning of something big, and I’m sure this league will grow year after year,” Lara said. He also highlighted the importance of T20 cricket in growing the sport globally, drawing new fans and sponsors.
A Reflection on the Iconic 400-Run Innings
Lara’s 400 not out against England in 2004 remains one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. When asked about that unforgettable innings, he reflected fondly on the achievement. “It was a special moment for me. It was a great feeling to regain the world record after losing it a few months prior,” Lara recalled. However, he was quick to emphasize that records are made to be broken. “With the way young players are attacking the game, especially in T20, I believe someone will surpass that score one day,” he added.
Lara also mentioned that while he cherished the individual record, he would have preferred to play for a more successful West Indies team during his career. “I would have given up my records just to play for a team that was winning more often,” he said.
The Maestro’s Humble Beginnings
When asked how it felt to be regarded as a cricketing maestro, Lara humbly reflected on his roots. “I grew up in a family of 11, with 10 siblings, and we all shared the dream of one of us playing international cricket. I was the last boy, so I guess I was the last hope,” he smiled. Despite his extraordinary career, Lara remains grounded and proud of his family’s support in his journey.
He also expressed deep gratitude for having played alongside some of the game’s greats, including Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, and the late Malcolm Marshall. “Playing for the West Indies for 17 years was a dream come true, and to do so alongside these legends was an honor,” he said.
Test Cricket: The Highlight of Lara’s Career
While Lara did not play much T20 cricket, he is undoubtedly a champion of Test cricket. “Test cricket is the ultimate test of a cricketer’s ability,” he stated. Lara’s 17-year Test career remains the highlight of his life, and while T20 cricket is exciting and has transformed the sport, it’s the five-day version of the game that Lara holds most dear.
Facing the Toughest Bowlers
Lara spoke about some of the toughest bowlers he faced in his illustrious career. “Glenn McGrath was my nemesis. He got me out the most. But the greatest fast bowler I faced was Wasim Akram,” Lara said. “Wasim had the ability to make you look ordinary, even when you were in good form. He was incredible.”
Today’s Cricket: The Toughest Players
Lara also shared his thoughts on the current cricketing landscape. When asked who he regarded as the toughest player today, he pointed to England’s Joe Root, who, according to Lara, is the best batter in the world at present. On the bowling side, Lara was full of praise for India’s Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as the best bowler in the world right now. “The way he operates in all formats—T20, limited-overs, and Test cricket—is just amazing,” he added.
Advice to Aspiring Cricketers
Finally, Lara had some advice for the young cricketers looking up to him. “Follow your dreams. No matter the sport or field, it’s important to stay committed. You will face challenges and setbacks, but that’s what will push you to grow. Success favors those who work hard and are disciplined,” he said, offering a message of perseverance and hard work.
For Brian Lara, this trip to Nepal was more than just about cricket—it was about inspiring the next generation, enjoying the beauty of the country, and creating lasting memories. As he continues to inspire cricketers around the world, his legacy is secure, but his humble reflections remind us all that the journey is just as important as the destination.
You may also like:
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction is set to take place on October 6 in Kathmandu. The auction will Read more
A total of 163 players participated in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction. Below is the complete list of Read more
After the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 auction, here's a look at the Kathmandu Gurkhas squad. The franchise has spent Read more
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet, with new Read more
![Revealing The Sharks [Video]](https://nepal.al/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/shark_tank_feature.jpg "Revealing The Sharks [Video] 36")
