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Surkhet Lands First National Women’s Cricket Tournament as Nepal Eyes the 2027 U-19 World Cup

Surkhet will host a national-level women’s cricket tournament for the first time on June 4, with selection stakes tied to Nepal’s build-up for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup.

Apple Nepal

Surkhet is stepping onto Nepal’s cricket map in a big way. For the first time, the Karnali Province capital will host a national-level women’s cricket tournament starting June 4, turning the city into a key stage for the country’s next generation of players.

The tournament is being organized by the Karnali Province Cricket Association and will double as a selection event for Nepal’s squad ahead of the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup, which Nepal and Bangladesh are set to co-host.

A milestone moment for Karnali

Bringing a national women’s competition to Surkhet is significant not just for the tournament itself, but for the region’s place in Nepal’s cricket development story. Hosting the event for the first time gives Karnali a chance to showcase its facilities, build local interest in women’s cricket, and create a stronger pathway for young players outside the traditional cricket hubs.

That matters because selection tournaments like this often decide more than a single roster. They help identify talent, test players under pressure, and expand the pool of athletes who can compete internationally.

Why this tournament matters

The timing gives the event extra weight. Nepal is preparing for the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup, and this tournament will help shape the team that could represent the country on home-and-away co-hosted soil.

For Nepali women’s cricket, that means the Surkhet competition is both a proving ground and a launchpad. Young players now have a chance to earn attention in a national setting with direct implications for World Cup preparation.

What to watch

Selection pressure will be high, since performances in Surkhet can influence who gets closer to the U-19 World Cup squad.

Regional development is also part of the story, as Karnali gets a rare chance to host a national women’s event of this scale.

Long-term impact could be the biggest takeaway if the tournament helps widen Nepal’s women’s cricket pipeline beyond the country’s main urban centers.

With the first ball set to be bowled on June 4, Surkhet is not just hosting a tournament. It is taking part in the next phase of Nepal’s women’s cricket push, with future World Cup ambitions already in focus.