Baitadi announces squad for Arjun trophy under Bhuwan Karki’s captaincy

Dhangadhi: Baitadi has announced its 14-member squad for the upcoming Arjun Trophy national cricket tournament, set to take place in Dhangadhi from Magh 19. The team will be led by captain Bhuwan Karki.

Dasharath Chand Academy Baitadi has included national and international cricketers from various age groups in the squad. Among the key players are departmental team AFF player Amar Singh Rautela, along with Diwan Pun, Rupesh Singh, Basant Khatri, Khadak Bohora, and Deepak Bohora. Other members of the team include Pradeep Chand, Himal Daulyal, Janak Sunar, Deepak Chand, Lokesh Chand, Sumeet Badal, and Sallauddin Khan.

Baitadi will begin their campaign against CYC Attariya on Magh 20, followed by matches against New Horizon Bootball on Magh 22 and Cricket Excellence Center Kathmandu on Magh 24. The tournament organizers have introduced an online ticketing facility via the Khalti app, allowing spectators to purchase tickets and receive attractive gifts equivalent to the ticket price. The ticket prices are set at Rs 200 for VIP and Rs 100 for general entry.

Organized by Go Dreamers, the Arjun Trophy is now included in the annual calendar of the Nepal Cricket Association. All matches will be broadcast live on Action Sports HD One Television. The tournament, dedicated to the late Arjun Khadka, a cricketer from Dhangadhi and Sudurpaschim Province, features a total cash prize of approximately Rs 20 lakhs. The tournament champion will receive Rs 10 lakhs, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 500,000 along with a trophy.

Additional awards include Rs 100,000 for the tournament’s best player, Rs 50,000 each for the best batsman, best bowler, and emerging player, while the man of the match in each game will receive Rs 10,000.

A total of eight club teams from across Nepal are participating, with each team allowed to include four players from Category A, five from Category B, and the remaining 14 from Category C. Category A consists of players from the Nepali national team, while Category B includes players from the Nepali national team A, U-19 national team, and provincial senior players. Category C features U-16 national team players, provincial U-19 and U-16 players, and other cricketers.