WorldLink launches 'Beat the Speed season 3' to find Nepal’s fastest pace bowlers

KATHMANDU: WorldLink Communications launched the third edition of its nationwide talent hunt, Beat The Speed – Season 3, in Janakpur on April 17, aiming to identify and nurture Nepal’s fastest emerging pace bowlers.

The campaign will travel to 23 cities across the country, with preliminary rounds scheduled in Lahan, Rajbiraj, Biratnagar, Damak, Itahari, Malangawa, Gaur, Simara, Birgunj, Hetauda, Chitwan, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Lamahi, Ghorahi, Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, Baitadi, Pokhara and Kathmandu. Baitadi has been included in the tour for the first time. The top 10 fastest bowlers from the regional rounds will qualify for a grand finale in Kathmandu.

WorldLink said the initiative builds on the success of earlier seasons. Last season’s winner, Hikmat Mahara, received Rs 100,000 and a three-month training opportunity at Just Cricket Academy in Bangalore before being signed as an iconic player by SudurPaschim Royals; he also took his maiden wicket in his debut match in the Nepal Premier League Season 2. Another alumnus, Kiran Chand, was awarded Rs 50,000 and fully sponsored training at Just Cricket Academy and was later drafted into the development squad of the Kathmandu Gorkhas.

Renowned cricket commentator Andrew Leonard will join the campaign, visiting select cities during the preliminary rounds and hosting the grand finale in Kathmandu, WorldLink’s Chief Marketing Officer Tenzin Choegyal said. The judging panel for Season 3 includes former national captain Gyanendra Malla and coach Kalam Ali.

Prizes for this season include Rs 100,000 for the winner, Rs 50,000 for the first runner-up and Rs 25,000 for the second runner-up. In addition, the overall winner and the judges’ pick for promising talent will each receive a fully sponsored three-month training programme at Just Cricket Academy in Bangalore, funded by WorldLink.

Beat The Speed is a flagship grassroots cricket initiative by WorldLink Communications that aims to combine nationwide reach with professional training opportunities to support the long-term development of cricket in Nepal. For full city schedules, timings and participation details, WorldLink has posted information on its official campaign page.