After a whirlwind search that followed Monty Desai’s February exit, Nepali cricket has found its new leader: Stuart Law. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) made the announcement late Friday, confirming the former Australian batsman will take the helm for the next two years.
Law’s arrival comes hot on the heels of a remarkable, albeit short, stint with the USA men’s team. In just seven months, he transformed their fortunes, guiding them to an unforgettable ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 run. The cricketing world watched in disbelief as the USA, under Law’s guidance, not only defeated Canada but also pulled off a stunning upset against Pakistan, securing a spot in the Super Eight stage. This unexpected success has put Law firmly in the spotlight, and Nepali fans are hoping he can bring the same magic to their team.
“We were looking for someone with proven experience and a track record of building teams,” said a CAN spokesperson. “Stuart’s recent success with the USA, showing he can inspire and deliver results under pressure, made him the perfect fit.”
Law, who played 55 internationals for Australia in the 90s, is no stranger to international cricket. He’s coached a diverse range of teams, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Afghanistan. This wealth of experience is seen as crucial for Nepal, a team aiming to climb the international rankings.
His immediate focus will be the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in June, where Nepal faces a tough challenge against Scotland and the Netherlands. Currently sitting in a precarious 7th position out of eight teams, with only two wins from 12 games, Nepal needs a dramatic turnaround. The stakes are high: the top four teams secure a direct path to the 2027 World Cup Qualifier, while the bottom four face a potentially tougher playoff route.
Can Law replicate his recent success and ignite a similar spark in the Nepali team? The country will be watching closely as he begins his two-year journey, hoping he can guide them towards their World Cup dreams.
