Ticket price slashed for Nepal vs Oman—but will the 12th man turn up?

Visiting cricket teams arriving in Nepal often prepare themselves for one thing above all else—a deafening crowd that rarely cheers for anyone but the hosts. For years, the TU International Cricket Ground has been synonymous with packed grassy banks, flags and relentless noise, turning Nepal’s supporters into the team’s unofficial 12th man. But during Nepal’s crucial ICC CWC League-2 matches, against the UAE and Oman, something felt unusual: the noise was missing. The UAE, considered Nepal’s biggest cricket rivals, have played 11 matches—six ODIs and three T20Is—at TU Ground. Overall, the two teams have played 32 matches across both formats since 2018. The Emiratis have witnessed some dominating moments from the Nepali crowd during the “Associate El Clásico”, especially during the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final against the hosts on May 1, 2023. On that day, thousands of devoted supporters braved heavy rain for hours on the grassy banks of TU Ground, refusing to leave in hopes of a restart. Their patience was ultimately tested when the match was pushed to a reserve day, but their unwavering energy remained the defining image of the tournament. Nepal won the match by seven wickets on May 2. Nepal’s fans show up in huge numbers throughout the world. The T20 World Cups in the Americas in 2024 and India in 2026 are great examples of Nepali fans’ support, that too on foreign soil. It is this increasing support and affection towards the gentleman’s game among Nepalis that the go