T20 World Cup: Behind cricket craze and steady growth in Nepal

Nepalese fans are making waves at the 2026 T20 World Cup in Mumbai, showcasing their passion and support for the national team amidst political turmoil.

Mumbai: A placard held by a fan during Nepal’s washed-out match against Sri Lanka in Florida at the 2024 T20 World Cup read thus: “If ICC schedules matches for Nepal in the moon. Nepalese fans will be there.”

Cricket - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - Group C - England v Nepal - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - February 8, 2026 Nepal's Sandeep Lamichhane celebrates with teammate Rohit Paudel after taking the wicket of England's Tom Banton REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY (REUTERS)

Not sure about the moon, but Nepalese fans are indeed there in Mumbai. And they are making their presence felt in the early stages of the 2026 T20 World Cup unlike any other nation’s travelling fanbase.

This is the moment Nepal cricket