Nepal women’s cricket has moved a step in the right direction in the wake of the appointment of Harshal Pathak as the new Head Coach of the Nepal women’s national cricket team. The appointment announcement was made by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), and this comes at a time when Nepal is set to go through a critical period on the international cricket calendar.
Pathak stood out as the most ideal candidate for this role, and this highlights the plans by CAN to incorporate international experience and professionalism within the women’s structure. Pathak is a former all-rounder and a former Thailand player, and he has gained significant experience throughout his years in coaching, including Thailand men’s cricket team.
Pathak will mentor the Nepal women’s squad during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier to be held in Nepal in January and February. The fact that Nepal will get to host the global qualifier will be an opportunity that will come their way for a change, and they will hope to do well in these conditions too.
Earlier this year in the month of May, Nepal secured their berth in the global qualifier, finishing runners up in the Asia Qualifier with Thailand, who led the pack, edging past them. While this adventure has showcased their rising prowess, determination, and courage to test themselves against the rest of the best in the pool, this effort has also emphasized their further improvement in execution, for which having coach Pathak’s acumen will prove invaluable.
Nepal have played 80 T20 Internationals (T20Is), reflecting their steady rise in the format. Out of these, they have won 47 matches and lost 32, with one game ending in no result, highlighting a competitive and increasingly consistent side. Their growing confidence and batting depth are evident in their highest T20 score of 277, a landmark achievement that showcases the team’s potential to post imposing totals and challenge stronger opponents as they continue to develop on the international stage.
Pathak is known for the structured approach he adopts in coaching. Emphasis on basics, fitness levels, and knowledge about the game feature in this approach. His previous assignment with Thailand saw them become a force to be reckoned with in associate cricket. The same will be expected in Nepal Women. Gaining confidence against better ranked nations, improving the standards of fielding, and achieving a certain degree of clarity among the players’ roles might go into Pathak’s to do list.
Beyond that, the inclusion of Pathak, as a coach, paints a larger picture for women’s cricket in Nepal. The team has increasingly emerged into the limelight and has been gaining popularity, and the appointment of a coach with international exposure will further cement the commitment to professional standards by CAN.
There are a number of youngsters who are showing early signs of talent, and the job of progressing with that talent will rest with Pathak, besides building a team that will perform when the going gets tough. Meanwhile, optimism prevails in the women’s side as Nepal prepares to take on its respective global qualifiers.
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