Nepal captain Paras Khadka quits national team captaincy

His decision comes a day after Nepal's membership was reinstated by the ICC on a conditional basis

Nepal captain Paras Khadka has stepped down as captain of the national team.

He announced his decision a day after the reinstatement of Cricket Nepal by the ICC on a conditional basis, having been suspended in 2016 for breaching ICC regulations in relation to government interference.

The 31-year-old batsman made has been a key part of Nepal’s rise up the world rankings, while adding a solitary ton in T20I cricket last month in Nepal’s nine-wicket win over Singapore – the first T20I hundred ever scored by a man from his nation.

In January, Khadka captained Nepal to their first ever ODI series win against UAE, with his 115 the first ever century made by a Nepalese batsman in ODI cricket.

Great to know that the suspension of Nepal cricket has been lifted and would like to wish the new committee to work for the betterment of Nepal cricket,players and its stake holders.
I have hereby decided to resign from my post as the captain of Nepal cricket team.
Jai Nepal !! pic.twitter.com/YuRBZkR7bU

— Paras Khadka (@paras77) October 15, 2019

Announcing his intention to relinquish the role in a tweet, he said: “Great to know that the suspension of Nepal cricket has been lifted and would like to wish the new committee to work for the betterment of Nepal cricket, players and its stake holders.

“I have hereby decided to resign from my post as the captain of Nepal cricket team.”

Sandeep Lamichhane, the side’s star leg-spinner, added his praise of Khadka’s contribution to Nepalese cricket. He tweeted: “Starting the journey under your captainship, we've reached places Nepal cricket had never been able to before. You've inspired so many youths including me in the past years and given us all more reason to love this beautiful game. Best wishes for your future endeavors.

“And we'd all love to see you representing Nepal for as many years as possible! You truly are a legend that has made a huge mark on all of our hearts. Here's to you captain!”