Bhupendra G.C., Kathmandu
In Jajarkot, a remote district of Karnali Province, survival often takes precedence over sport. With limited infrastructure and scarce opportunities, cricket remains a distant dream for many. Yet, against all odds, 16-year-old fast bowler Anuj Chanara has emerged as a symbol of hope, proving that talent can rise even from the most unlikely places.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) recently announced a 32-member squad for the upcoming Oman tour, with Anuj earning a call-up to the national team’s closed camp for the first time. Notably, he is the sole representative from Karnali Province in the squad.
Until recently, Anuj was largely unknown in Nepali cricket. However, his standout performance in the Prime Minister’s Cup changed everything. In just two weeks, he made a lasting impression that earned him recognition at the national level. Behind that brief moment of success lies a story of relentless struggle, sacrifice, and determination.
Anuj himself was unaware of his selection until his nephew, Narendra BK, called to inform him. The news was hard to believe.
“It hasn’t even been two years since I started playing cricket seriously,” Anuj said. “I couldn’t train properly for 8 – 9 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. I never imagined I would make it to the national camp. This is beyond anything I thought possible.”
Despite the achievement, Anuj remains grounded. He sees the closed camp not as a destination, but as a learning opportunity, especially under the guidance of head coach Dav Whatmore.
“I want to learn as much as I can,” he said. “Opportunities like this don’t come often. I’ll try to absorb everything from the coach and senior players.”
Karnali Province, traditionally considered one of the weakest teams in domestic cricket, surprised many this season. With improved preparation and guidance from coach Paul Ferreira, the team showed remarkable progress, competing strongly against departmental sides and registering a historic win against Gandaki Province.
“We didn’t even know each other properly before,” Anuj recalled. “Earlier, we would just participate and return. This time, the mindset changed. The coach made us believe we could compete.”
Under Ferreira’s guidance, Anuj refined his bowling approach, focusing on discipline rather than chasing wickets.
“He told me to focus on line and length. Wickets will come when batsmen make mistakes. I followed that advice, and it worked,” he said.
Anuj made his tournament debut against Tribhuvan Army Club, claiming the prized wicket of Rohit Kumar Paudel, a moment he describes as unforgettable. He continued his impressive run, delivering crucial spells against multiple teams, including a standout performance against Nepal APF Club, where he took three wickets.
One of his most cherished moments came when he dismissed Sharad Vesawkar, though he didn’t realize it at the time.
“I didn’t know it was Sharad dai batting,” he said with a smile. “I only found out after he got out. That was one of the happiest moments of my life.”
Yet, beyond the on-field success lies a stark reality. Anuj’s financial condition remains extremely challenging. During the Prime Minister’s Cup, he didn’t even own proper cricket shoes.
“I had to borrow shoes from a friend,” he said. “They cost around Rs. 4,000 – 5,000, which is not affordable for my family. Even now, I don’t have proper shoes for training. I’m managing with old rubber shoes.”
Born in Nalgad Municipality of Jajarkot, Anuj grew up in a family struggling to make ends meet. His parents work as laborers in Himachal Pradesh, India, and cricket was never considered a viable path.
Initially a wicketkeeper-batsman, Anuj turned to fast bowling out of necessity. Over time, he developed his skills and found his true calling.
At a young age, driven purely by passion, he made a bold decision, leaving home without informing his family to pursue cricket in Nepal.
“I knew I wouldn’t get support from home,” he said. “So I came without telling anyone. I just wanted to play cricket.”
His journey took a turning point when his nephew Narendra BK, based in Chitwan, supported him financially and emotionally. Joining a cricket academy in Chitwan marked the beginning of a new chapter.
“My nephew told me not to worry about money and focus on cricket. Without him, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Anuj said.
Life, however, remained far from easy. Living in Bharatpur, he often walks long distances to training due to lack of bus fare. At times, he practices all day without meals.
“Some days I walk to the academy because I don’t have money for transport,” he said. “It’s also difficult to manage food expenses.”
Despite these hardships, Anuj never lost sight of his dream.
“My only goal is to wear the jersey of the Nepali national team,” he said. “This is a big opportunity, and I want to make the most of it.”
His journey hasn’t been without setbacks. After a difficult debut against Nepal Police Club, he even considered quitting cricket. But encouragement from teammates helped him bounce back stronger.
Today, Anuj stands on the brink of something bigger. While breaking into the national team as a fast bowler is no easy task, his determination and work ethic have already set him apart.
However, financial constraints remain a major hurdle. As he progresses, the need for institutional support becomes increasingly important. With the right backing, talents like Anuj can not only transform their own lives but also uplift Nepali cricket.
From borrowed shoes to the national camp, Anuj Chanara’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, belief, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams.
