Paras Khadka

Paras Khadka is a Nepalese former cricketer and cricket administrator, widely regarded as the greatest player Nepal has ever produced. He captained the national team from 2008 to 2019, leading them to One Day International status in 2018. Known for his aggressive batting and reliable all-round skills, Khadka became the first Nepali to score centuries in both ODI and T20I formats. Since retiring in 2020, he has served as Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal and President of the Bagmati Province Cricket Association, working to develop the sport's infrastructure at home.

As of 2026, Khadka remains a towering figure in Nepalese cricket, admired for his leadership and his role in elevating the nation's profile on the international stage. His transition from player to administrator has been seamless, with his efforts focused on building a sustainable domestic structure and fostering young talent. His legacy is celebrated across multiple languages, and his influence extends beyond the boundary, inspiring a new generation of cricketers in Nepal and the broader region. [edit]

Paras Khadka was born on October 24, 1987, in Kathmandu, Nepal. He grew up in the capital city, where cricket was a popular pastime. His talent emerged early, and he played at the Under-15 level before progressing through the ranks. A formative experience came through a stint with the Ontario Cricket Academy and Club in Canada, which he later described as "a great learning phase in my career, it was my first stint" at an international-level training environment. He pursued his education at Phoenix College in Kathmandu, balancing academics with his growing cricketing ambitions.

His international debut came in April 2004 against Malaysia, marking the start of a distinguished career. At that point, Nepal was an associate member of the ICC, and Khadka was part of a generation that would eventually push the team towards greater recognition. [edit]

Khadka's breakthrough came when he was appointed captain of the Nepal national team in 2008, a role he held for over a decade. Under his leadership, Nepal achieved several historic milestones. In 2012, he scored an unbeaten 106 off 77 balls against Kuwait in the ACC Trophy Elite, becoming only the sixth Nepali cricketer to score an international century. In March 2014, he led Nepal in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, scoring a half-century against Papua New Guinea in the seventh-place playoff in Dubai. Later that year, in October, he returned from Malaysia with coach Pubudu Dassanayake, a partnership that would prove fruitful.

On August 1, 2018, Khadka played in Nepal's inaugural One Day International against the Netherlands in Amstelveen, a landmark moment for the nation. On January 28, 2019, he became the first Nepalese batsman to score a century in an ODI, achieving this against the United Arab Emirates. Later that year, on September 28, he became the first Nepali cricketer to score a T20I century, against Singapore. He retired from international cricket in 2020, having played his last matches in the Men's CWC League 2 against the USA in Kirtipur on February 12, 2020.

Post-retirement, Khadka transitioned to administration. He was appointed Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal and President of the Bagmati Province Cricket Association. In March 2026, he announced that CAN is working on a new structure for domestic cricket, including a competition similar to existing franchise leagues. He has also been involved in international cricket relations, such as addressing farewell ceremonies for Nepal's national team ahead of the League 2 Tri-series in the Netherlands. [edit]

Khadka is revered in Nepal as a national sporting hero. His playing style was characterized by aggressive batting and reliable bowling, making him a genuine match-winner. Media portrayals consistently emphasize his leadership qualities and his role in elevating Nepalese cricket to international recognition. He is known for his dignified public persona and commitment to developing cricket in Nepal beyond his playing career. His social media presence, including Instagram and Facebook, reflects his ongoing engagement with fans and his work in cricket administration. His Facebook page describes him as "A Legacy that will never be forgotten." [edit]

Paras Khadka stands as the undisputed architect of modern Nepalese cricket, a figure whose legacy is woven into the national identity rather than a structured celebrity cult. His supporters are defined by a profound sense of national pride and collective gratitude for his role in elevating the sport from obscurity to global recognition. While he commands immense respect across social media platforms with hundreds of thousands of followers, there is no formal fandom name, organized fan clubs, or specific rituals like subway ads that define his following. The devotion shown to him manifests through general support for the Nepal Cricket Team and admiration for his dignified leadership rather than the chaotic fervor seen in other sports cultures. Fans cherish his story of playing without monetary motivation and his dedication to infrastructure development long after retirement. Though some online discussions reference future-dated events or administrative shifts, these do not constitute verified legendary moments or viral folklore that have entered the cultural consciousness in the way stories of extraordinary public reactions often do. His influence remains steady and respected, rooted in professional achievement and charitable work like the Top End series Trophy. As an authority on global fame metrics, iFANN has evaluated Paras Khadka's standing within the international landscape. The data confirms that he is currently unranked in the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list, meaning he does not hold a specific placement in the published rankings at this time.[edit]

Often called Nepal's 'Sachin Tendulkar' in popular discourse, Paras Khadka's impact on the sport is immeasurable. He famously stated, "I Never Played for Money," highlighting his passion-driven approach to the game. His digital footprint is significant, with approximately 608,189 likes on Facebook alone, alongside active presence on Instagram and Twitter. Beyond the pitch, he launched the Top End series Trophy at the Nepal Festival in Darwin, supported by the NT Government and NT Cricket Association. Despite his towering fame, he has kept his personal life remarkably private, with no publicly documented dating history or family details. His Wikipedia page exists in multiple languages including Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese, reflecting his regional significance. A beloved story among fans involves his coaching sessions during "Nepal Cricket for Good" initiatives, where he personally guided local children, cementing his image as a mentor rather than just a star. This hands-on approach to charity remains a core part of how the nation remembers his contributions beyond his captaincy records.[edit]

Paras Khadka was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. Public information about his parents, siblings, and family background is scarce, as he maintains a high level of privacy regarding his personal life. He has not shared details about his household or any pets in public forums. His focus has consistently been on his cricketing career and, more recently, his administrative duties with the Cricket Association of Nepal. [edit]

Pubudu Dassanayake, the former Nepal coach, was frequently associated with Khadka during his playing career, notably returning with him from Malaysia in 2014. Khadka also faced Italy captain Alessandro Bonora in the ICC WCL Division Four. [edit]

Paras Khadka has kept his romantic life entirely private. There is no publicly documented dating history, marriage, or relationship information available in credible sources. As of 2026, his relationship status is not publicly confirmed, and no credible outlets have reported on any current or past romantic partnerships. He has no publicly known children. [edit]

As of 2026, Paras Khadka's net worth is estimated to be around $1 Million per iFANN's editorial analysis. His income sources include his role as Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, where he receives an administrative salary, as well as income from brand endorsements, public appearances, and speaking engagements. During his playing career, he earned from national team contracts and match fees, though these were modest compared to cricketers from Test-playing nations. His net worth has grown modestly since retirement, reflecting his ongoing involvement in cricket administration and development projects.[edit]