Paras Khadka Biography: Early Life, Cricket Career, Records, and Administration

Paras Khadka is a former captain of Nepal's national cricket team, an all-rounder, and a cricket administrator. He began playing for the senior national team in 2004 and captained Nepal for nearly a decade, from 2009 to 2019. Under his captaincy, Nepal won titles in different divisions of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League, made its first appearance at the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014, and secured One Day International (ODI) status in 2018.

A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, Khadka became the first Nepali cricketer to score centuries in both ODI and T20 International (T20I) cricket. He scored Nepal's first ODI century against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019 and its first T20I century against Singapore later that year.

After retiring from international cricket on August 3, 2021, Khadka became involved in cricket coaching and administration. He was elected secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on September 23, 2023, and serves on its central executive committee. CAN's official website lists him as its secretary and president of the Bagmati Province Cricket Association.

Paras Khada: Personal and Professional Profile

Birth, Family Background, and Childhood

Paras Khadka was born on October 24, 1987, in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he spent his childhood. Interested in sports from an early age, he played football and basketball alongside cricket.

Cricket was also a familiar sport in his family. His father and grandfather's interest in the game introduced him to cricket during childhood, and he grew up watching international cricket matches.

According to an article about his life published in ESPNcricinfo's The Cricket Monthly on March 29, 2024, Khadka played more basketball than cricket during his school years. He also attended selection trials for Nepal's under-14 football team. His basketball performances even earned him opportunities to represent the senior national team.

Initially, cricket was not his only career option. He also placed considerable importance on his education. After the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, when he received an invitation to train with the senior national cricket team, he faced a difficult choice between prioritizing his studies and pursuing cricket.

With encouragement from his family, he joined the national team training sessions. The opportunities he subsequently received at age-group and senior levels helped him continue his cricket career.

In 2008, Khadka was also preparing to travel to Australia for higher education. However, his student visa application was unsuccessful, and he remained in Nepal, continuing to play cricket.

Khadka discussed these experiences in his interview with The Cricket Monthly.

Beginning His Cricket Career at Age-Group Level

Paras Khadka began his international cricket journey through Nepal's age-group national teams. He represented the country in under-15, under-17, and under-19 competitions.

Under-15 and Under-17 Cricket

Khadka participated in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-15 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates in 2002.

He was subsequently selected for the under-17 team. In 2004, he captained Nepal's youth team in an under-17 competition held in India.

These tournaments gave him early experience of international competition. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball helped him establish a regular place in Nepal's age-group teams.

Participation in Three Under-19 World Cups

Paras Khadka represented Nepal in three ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups: 2004, 2006, and 2008.

The 2004 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh was his first appearance at the tournament. During that competition, Nepal defeated South Africa by one wicket.

At the 2006 Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Nepal won the Plate Championship. Khadka was vice-captain of the team, which was led by Kanishka Chaugai.

On February 16, 2006, Nepal defeated South Africa by two runs in the Plate Championship semi-final. Nepal scored 214 runs, while South Africa managed 212 in its allotted 50 overs.

Nepal then defeated New Zealand by one wicket in the Plate Championship final in Colombo on February 18, 2006.

Chasing New Zealand's total of 204, Nepal reached 205 for nine in 49.4 overs. Basanta Regmi scored 66 runs, while Ratan Rauniyar contributed an unbeaten 26. Khadka took one wicket.

The victory marked an important achievement in Nepal's under-19 cricket history.

Captaincy of the Under-19 Team in 2007

In 2007, Paras Khadka captained Nepal's youth team at the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup in Malaysia.

Under his leadership, Nepal defeated Afghanistan by 48 runs in the final to win the title. The victory also secured Nepal's qualification for the 2008 Under-19 World Cup.

The 2008 Under-19 World Cup

Khadka also captained Nepal at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.

Nepal reached the Plate Championship final but lost to the West Indies by seven wickets on March 1, 2008.

Nepal was bowled out for 74 runs in 25.3 overs. The West Indies reached the target in 14.2 overs, losing three wickets.

Nepal finished as runner-up in the Plate Championship.

Senior National Cricket Team Debut (2004–2009)

Paras Khadka made his debut for Nepal's senior national cricket team on April 23, 2004, against Malaysia in the ICC Intercontinental Cup.

The three-day match was played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. It was also his first-class cricket debut.

Khadka was 16 years old when he made his debut. He scored 44 runs in Nepal's first innings and dismissed one Malaysian batsman with the ball.

Nepal won the match by nine wickets.

From 2004 to 2009, Khadka established himself as a regular member of the senior national team. During this period, he participated in the ACC Trophy, World Cricket League, and other regional competitions.

Playing alongside experienced cricketers, including then-captain Binod Das, he gained international experience. His middle-order batting and ability to bowl when required made him a useful member of the team.

The 2008 World Cricket League Division Five

In 2008, Nepal competed in the ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament in Jersey.

Despite performing well during the group stage, Nepal lost to Afghanistan in the semi-final.

Nepal subsequently defeated the United States in the third-place playoff.

The team finished third and failed to secure promotion to Division Four. Khadka was Nepal's vice-captain at the time.

Captaincy of Nepal's National Cricket Team (2009–2019)

The Cricket Association of Nepal appointed Paras Khadka captain of the national cricket team on November 11, 2009.

He succeeded Binod Das. The ACC Twenty20 Cup, held in the UAE in November 2009, was Nepal's first tournament under Khadka's captaincy.

When he assumed the captaincy, Nepal was competing in Division Five of the World Cricket League. Over the following decade, the team won titles in several divisions and eventually achieved ODI status.

Division Five Title in 2010

Nepal won the ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament held in Kathmandu in February 2010.

In the final at Kirtipur on February 27, Nepal defeated the United States by five wickets.

Chasing a target of 173 runs, Nepal reached the total in 46.5 overs with five wickets down.

In the final, Rahul Vishvakarma took seven wickets for just 15 runs. His bowling performance played a significant role in restricting the United States to 172 runs.

The title earned Nepal promotion to Division Four.

Division Four Title in 2012

Nepal won the World Cricket League Division Four tournament held in Malaysia in September 2012.

The team won all six of its matches and defeated the United States by eight wickets in the final to earn promotion to Division Three.

Chasing a target of 145 runs in the final, Nepal reached the total in 28 overs with two wickets down.

Later that year, Nepal and the UAE were declared joint winners of the ACC Trophy Elite after the final ended in a tie.

During the tournament, Khadka scored an unbeaten 106 against Kuwait and was named Player of the Tournament.

Division Three Success in 2013

Nepal won the World Cricket League Division Three tournament held in Bermuda in 2013.

Although the team lost its first two matches, it recovered to secure a place in the final.

Nepal defeated Uganda by five wickets in the final to win the title. This achievement secured Nepal a place in the 2014 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand.

Another Division Three Title in 2014

Nepal failed to achieve its expected results at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier held in New Zealand in January 2014.

However, the team returned to win the World Cricket League Division Three tournament held in Malaysia in October that year.

In the final on October 30, 2014, Nepal defeated Uganda by 62 runs.

Uganda was bowled out for 161 while chasing Nepal's total of 223. Bhuvan Karki took four wickets for Nepal.

The victory enabled Nepal to return to Division Two.

Nepal at the 2014 T20 World Cup

Under Paras Khadka's captaincy, Nepal made its first appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2014.

Nepal secured its place in the tournament by defeating Hong Kong during the World Twenty20 Qualifier held in the UAE in November 2013.

At the 2014 World Cup in Bangladesh, Nepal faced Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in the first round.

Historic First Victory Against Hong Kong

On March 16, 2014, Nepal played its first official T20 International match against Hong Kong.

In the match held in Chattogram, Bangladesh, Nepal scored 149 runs for eight wickets in its allotted 20 overs.

Khadka scored 41 runs from 37 balls, while Gyanendra Malla contributed 48 runs.

With the ball, Khadka dismissed Hong Kong's Irfan Ahmed with the first delivery of his T20I career.

Nepal then bowled Hong Kong out for 69 runs in 17 overs, securing an 80-run victory.

Victory Against Afghanistan

Nepal lost its second World Cup match to Bangladesh by eight wickets.

However, the team defeated Afghanistan by nine runs in its third match.

Despite winning two of its three matches, Nepal finished behind Bangladesh on net run rate and did not qualify for the Super 10 stage.

Nepal's participation in the 2014 World Cup was a significant milestone in its cricket history. The tournament provided Nepali players with experience competing at the global level.

World Cricket League Championship and ODI Status

Between 2015 and 2018, one of Nepal's principal cricket objectives was to secure ODI status.

Nepal finished fourth in the World Cricket League Division Two tournament held in Namibia in 2015. The team subsequently participated in the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

In that competition, Nepal faced the Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Kenya, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, and the UAE.

Century of 103 Runs Against Namibia

On April 18, 2016, Khadka scored 103 runs from 94 balls against Namibia in a World Cricket League Championship match at Kirtipur.

His innings included five fours and seven sixes.

While chasing Namibia's target of 240 runs, Khadka shared a 167-run partnership for the third wicket with Sharad Vesawkar.

Vesawkar scored an unbeaten 74, helping Nepal secure a three-wicket victory.

Qualification for the 2018 World Cup Qualifier

In February 2018, Nepal defeated Canada by one wicket in the World Cricket League Division Two tournament held in Namibia.

Karan KC's batting contribution in the closing stages was decisive in Nepal's victory.

The result secured Nepal a place in the tournament final and qualification for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

The Day Nepal First Secured ODI Status

On March 15, 2018, Nepal defeated Papua New Guinea by six wickets in a playoff match at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

Papua New Guinea was bowled out for 114 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee took four wickets each for Nepal.

Nepal reached the target in fewer than 23 overs, losing four wickets.

Later that day, the Netherlands defeated Hong Kong in another playoff match, confirming Nepal's first-ever ODI status.

Nepal achieved this milestone during Paras Khadka's captaincy. However, the country's progress from Division Five of the World Cricket League to ODI status was the result of collective contributions from players, coaches, and team management.

Paras Khadka in One Day International Cricket

Paras Khadka captained Nepal in its first ODI match against the Netherlands on August 1, 2018.

Nepal lost the match, played in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, by 55 runs. Khadka took four wickets for 26 runs with the ball.

In the second ODI on August 3, 2018, Nepal defeated the Netherlands by one run to register its first ODI victory.

Chasing Nepal's total of 216, the Netherlands was bowled out for 215. Khadka contributed 51 runs.

The two-match series ended in a 1–1 draw.

Nepal's First ODI Century

On January 28, 2019, Khadka scored Nepal's first ODI century in the third and deciding match against the UAE.

Playing at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, he scored 115 runs from 109 balls. His innings included 15 fours and one six.

Chasing a target of 255 runs set by the UAE, Nepal reached the total in 44.4 overs, losing six wickets.

Nepal won the match by four wickets and secured the three-match ODI series 2–1.

It was Nepal's first bilateral ODI series victory. Khadka's innings of 115 runs was recorded as the country's first ODI century.

First T20 International Century by a Nepali Cricketer

On September 28, 2019, Paras Khadka scored an unbeaten 106 runs against Singapore in a T20 International match.

Playing in a triangular series in Singapore, he faced 52 balls and hit seven fours and nine sixes.

Singapore scored 151 runs for three wickets in its allotted 20 overs.

Nepal reached 152 for one in 16 overs to secure a nine-wicket victory.

Khadka shared an unbeaten 145-run partnership for the second wicket with Aarif Sheikh, who contributed an unbeaten 39 runs.

This was Nepal's first T20 International century. Khadka also became the first Nepali cricketer to score centuries in both ODI and T20 International cricket.

Paras Khadka's International Cricket Statistics

By the time Paras Khadka retired from international cricket, he had represented Nepal in 10 ODIs and 33 T20 Internationals.

According to the ICC, he scored a combined 1,114 runs and took 17 wickets across the two formats.

His international cricket statistics are presented below.

An asterisk () indicates a not-out innings.*

The table includes only Khadka's ODI and T20 International statistics.

Before Nepal obtained ODI status, Khadka also represented the country in various ICC and ACC tournaments. Not all those matches are included in official ODI or T20 International records.

Participation in Domestic and Franchise Cricket

Alongside his international career, Paras Khadka was active in Nepal's domestic cricket competitions. He participated in various domestic one-day and T20 tournaments and captained teams in franchise cricket.

Everest Premier League

Khadka captained Biratnagar Warriors in the 2017 Everest Premier League (EPL).

In the final on December 30, 2017, Biratnagar Warriors defeated Bhairahawa Gladiators by one run to win the title.

Bhairahawa was restricted to 148 runs while chasing Biratnagar's total of 149.

Khadka scored 27 runs and took three wickets in the final.

Dhangadhi Premier League

Paras Khadka captained Team Chauraha Dhangadhi in the inaugural Dhangadhi Premier League (DPL) in 2017.

In the final, Team Chauraha Dhangadhi defeated Biratnagar Kings by 62 runs to secure the title.

The victory gave Khadka another domestic franchise cricket title as captain.

Pokhara Premier League

Khadka led Chitwan Rhinos in the Pokhara Premier League (PPL).

In the inaugural edition in 2018, Chitwan Rhinos finished as runner-up after losing the final to Pokhara Paltan by three wickets.

However, Chitwan Rhinos won the 2019 edition, defeating Biratnagar Titans by 32 runs in the final.

Overseas Franchise Cricket

Khadka also participated in cricket competitions outside Nepal.

In 2019, he joined Team Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament held in the UAE.

During the later stages of his playing career, opportunities in overseas competitions also gave him experience in different cricket settings.

Resignation as National Cricket Team Captain

Paras Khadka resigned as captain of Nepal's national cricket team on October 15, 2019.

After leading the team for nearly a decade, he decided to step down from the captaincy.

His resignation came around the time the ICC conditionally lifted its suspension of the Cricket Association of Nepal.

Although Khadka stepped down as captain, he continued playing for the national team.

Gyanendra Malla was subsequently appointed captain of Nepal's national cricket team.

Retirement from International Cricket

Paras Khadka announced his retirement from international cricket on August 3, 2021.

He played his final ODI against the United States on February 12, 2020.

He subsequently participated in the ACC Eastern Region T20 tournament held in Thailand in March 2020. His match against Thailand on March 4, 2020, became his final T20 International appearance.

When announcing his retirement, Khadka expressed his desire to continue contributing to the development of Nepali cricket in other capacities.

In its retirement announcement published on August 3, 2021, the ICC described Khadka's international cricket journey as spanning 18 years.

Following his retirement, he turned his attention to youth cricket coaching and sports administration.

Entry into Cricket Coaching and Administration

After retiring from international cricket, Paras Khadka became involved in cricket coaching and institutional management.

He participated in activities related to the training of young cricketers and later entered the electoral process of the Cricket Association of Nepal.

Cricket Excellence Center

Khadka is a co-founder of the Cricket Excellence Center (CEC).

Former national cricket captain Gyanendra Malla is also a co-founder of the institution.

Located in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, the training center conducts programs covering batting, bowling, fielding, and other cricket skills.

The center's official website lists Khadka as a co-founder and Malla as a co-founder and technical director.

President of the Bagmati Province Cricket Association

Paras Khadka was elected president of the Bagmati Province Cricket Association on September 1, 2023.

He defeated Umesh Piya by nine votes in the election. Khadka received 23 votes, while Piya secured 14.

The election marked his entry into a formal leadership role in cricket administration.

Election as Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal

On September 23, 2023, Khadka was elected secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal in its central election held in Kathmandu.

A total of 85 votes were cast. Khadka received 48 votes, while his opponent, Prashant Bikram Malla, secured 37.

Khadka won by a margin of 11 votes.

In the same election, Chatur Bahadur Chand was elected president, Roshan Kumar Singh vice-president, and Padam Bahadur Khadka treasurer.

The official website of the Cricket Association of Nepal lists Khadka as its secretary.

Nepal Premier League and Administrative Responsibilities

After becoming secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, Paras Khadka became involved in domestic cricket management and tournament-related activities.

During his tenure in administration, CAN began organizing the Nepal Premier League (NPL) in a franchise-based format.

The inaugural edition in this format was held from November 30 to December 21, 2024, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Eight franchise teams participated in the tournament.

As CAN secretary, Khadka represented the association in matters relating to tournament preparation, operations, and management.

Because the NPL is an institutional program of CAN, its organization and operation involve the collective contributions of association officials, staff, franchise teams, and other stakeholders.

Nepali Cricket Administration and Players' Rights

Although Nepali cricket achieved significant success on the field during Paras Khadka's captaincy, the sport also faced various institutional management challenges.

National team players periodically raised concerns about the regular organization of domestic competitions, player facilities, training arrangements, and the administrative structure of the cricket association.

In 2010, national team players led by Khadka expressed dissatisfaction with the management of domestic cricket.

In 2014, players again raised demands concerning CAN's management and player facilities and announced a boycott of domestic competitions.

In 2016, the ICC suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal. The suspension was conditionally lifted in October 2019.

During this period, Nepal continued participating in international cricket, but institutional restructuring of the cricket association remained an important issue.

Khadka, who had raised concerns about cricket management during his playing career, later assumed an executive position within the same association.

This marked his transition from a player to a cricket administrator.

Awards, Honors, and International Recognition

Paras Khadka received various awards and honors during his cricket career. He was also nominated for an international cricket award.

ICC Associate Cricketer of the Decade Nomination

In November 2020, Paras Khadka was nominated for the ICC Men's Associate Cricketer of the Decade award.

He was among six players nominated in the category.

The other nominees were Kyle Coetzer, Calum MacLeod, and Richie Berrington of Scotland; Peter Borren of the Netherlands; and Assad Vala of Papua New Guinea.

The award was won by Scotland's Kyle Coetzer.

Khadka's nomination represented international recognition of his performances in associate cricket.

Male Player of the Decade Award

On March 22, 2022, Paras Khadka was named Male Player of the Decade at the 18th Pulsar Sports Awards.

At the ceremony organized by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum, footballer Sabitra Bhandari received the Female Player of the Decade award.

Cricket coach Jagat Tamata was named Coach of the Decade.

The recognition awarded to Khadka was based on his achievements during the decade and was associated with his international cricket career.

Paras Khadka's Personal Life

Paras Khadka married Prapti Rajya Laxmi Rana on February 26, 2015.

Their wedding took place at a private ceremony in Kathmandu.

A Swayamvar ceremony was held the previous day.

Known publicly for his cricket career, Khadka has continued to focus his professional activities on cricket coaching and administration since retiring from international cricket.

Paras Khadka's Contribution to Nepali Cricket

Paras Khadka's cricket career is closely associated with several major achievements in Nepal's international cricket history.

When he became captain in 2009, Nepal was competing in Division Five of the World Cricket League. By the time he stepped down in 2019, Nepal had participated in the T20 World Cup and secured ODI status.

The major achievements during his captaincy include:

• Winning the World Cricket League Division Five title in 2010.

• Winning the World Cricket League Division Four title in 2012.

• Winning the World Cricket League Division Three titles in 2013 and 2014.

• Making Nepal's first appearance at the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014.

• Securing Nepal's first ODI status in 2018.

• Captaining Nepal in its first ODI match and first ODI victory in 2018.

• Winning Nepal's first bilateral ODI series in 2019.

• Scoring Nepal's first ODI and T20 International centuries in 2019.

These achievements reflected Khadka's individual performances and captaincy, as well as the collective contributions of other players, coaches, and team management.

After retiring from international cricket in 2021, Khadka moved into coaching and cricket administration. His election as secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal in 2023 marked a transition from leadership on the field to institutional management.

Paras Khadka's career therefore reflects different stages of Nepali cricket's development, from age-group competitions and senior national team participation to international tournaments, captaincy, individual records, and administration.

References and Sources

1. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Paras Khadka Retires from International Cricket, August 3, 2021

2. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Nepal Thrash PNG to Secure ODI Status, March 15, 2018

3. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Nepal Register Dramatic Maiden ODI Win by One Run, August 3, 2018

4. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Paras Khadka Century Hands Nepal First-Ever ODI Series Win, January 28, 2019

5. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Khadka Ton Leads Nepal to Nine-Wicket Victory, September 28, 2019

6. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Thrilling Finishes at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, January 30, 2014

7. International Cricket Council (ICC) — ICC U19 Cricket World Cup: A Trip Down Memory Lane

8. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Vishvakarma Bags 7-15 as Nepal Beats USA in Division Five Final, February 28, 2010

9. International Cricket Council (ICC) — Karki Stars in Nepal Triumph, October 30, 2014

10. International Cricket Council (ICC) — ICC Awards of the Decade Winners Announced

11. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) — Official Executive Committee Information

12. ESPNcricinfo, The Cricket Monthly — Make Nepal Cricket Great: The Paras Khadka Story, March 29, 2024

13. The Kathmandu Post — Paras Khadka Elected Secretary of Cricket Association of Nepal, September 23, 2023

14. The Kathmandu Post — Khadka, Bhandari Named Players of the Decade, March 23, 2022

15. The Kathmandu Post — National Cricket Team Captain Khadka Ties Knot, February 26, 2015

16. Cricket Excellence Center — Official Website

17. ESPNcricinfo — Nepal vs Malaysia, ICC Intercontinental Cup Scorecard, April 23–25, 2004

18. Cricbuzz — Paras Khadka Career Profile and International Statistics