By Bhupendra G.C
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has revised its central contract structure, promoting fast bowler Sompal Kami to Grade A following criticism over his initial classification.
The decision was made during CAN’s virtual board meeting on Saturday, where officials agreed to upgrade Sompal from Grade B to the top tier, acknowledging concerns raised by stakeholders and observers within the cricketing community.
In other adjustments, left-arm spinner Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, initially omitted from the central contract list has been included in Grade B. Fast bowler Abinash Bohara has been elevated from Grade C to Grade B, while young batsman Sandeep Jora remains in Grade C.
Changes were also introduced in the women’s contracts. Saraswati Chaudhary, previously ungraded, has been placed in Grade B, while Mamata Chaudhary and Suman Khatiwada have been included in Grade C.
CAN has confirmed that player payments for 2020 will be split into two phases due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to CAN treasurer and player classification committee coordinator Roshan Kumar Singh, players will receive salaries for the first six months as per the existing agreement.
“A new agreement will be made for the remaining six months,” Singh said, noting that the uncertainty caused by the pandemic prompted the board to limit initial contracts to a six-month period.
The board had earlier announced central contracts for 18 male and 19 female players, introducing a three-tier grading system with a salary increment of NPR 15,000 across each men’s category.
Under the revised structure, male players in Grade A will earn NPR 50,000 per month, Grade B players NPR 40,000, and Grade C players NPR 30,000 per month.
In women’s cricket, Grade A players, introduced into the contract system this year will receive NPR 15,000 per month, with Grade B set at NPR 12,000 and Grade C at NPR 10,000 per momth.
Men’s Central Contracts
Grade A: Gyanendra Malla, Paras Khadka, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sharad Vesawkar, Karan KC, Basanta Regmi, Dipendra Singh Airee, Binod Bhandari, Sompal Kami
Grade B: Sushan Bhari, Aarif Sheikh, Pawan Sarraf, Abinash Bohara, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi
Grade C: Subash Khakurel, Rohit Kumar Paudel, Kushal Malla, Rashid Khan, Kamal Singh Airee, Sandeep Jora
Women’s Central Contracts
Grade A: Rubina Chhetri (Belbase), Neri Thapa, Indu Barma, Sita Rana Magar, Karuna Bhandari
Grade B: Jyoti Pandey, Apsari Begum, Roma Thapa, Bindu Rawal, Kabita Joshi, Ritu Kanojia, Kajal Shrestha, Saraswati Chaudhary, Sarita Magar
Grade C: Kabita Kunwar, Dolly Bhatta, Anuradha Chaudhary, Sonu Khadka, Anjali Chand, Shobha Ale, Suman Khatiwada, Mamta Chaudhary
