In Nepal, cricket is more than just a sport; it is an emotion that binds communities, inspires dreams, and fuels a sense of national pride. Like many Associate Nations, we lack the luxury of automatic slots in international tournaments. Our players relentlessly grind through qualifiers, battling it out in the group stages to earn their well-deserved spots. Yet, time and again, our hopes are dashed, not by competition on the field, but by unfair rules and rankings.

As a passionate supporter of Nepal’s cricket team, and on behalf of all Associate Nations, I find it unjust that outcomes in prestigious events like the Asian Games often hinge on factors such as rankings or weather disruptions, rather than the skill and talent showcased during matches.

The current policy of granting direct quarterfinal slots to certain teams and using rankings to decide match outcomes rather than actual play is deeply flawed. This system not only undermines the hard work and dedication of teams from Associate Nations but also dampens the spirit of fair play. It's a gross oversight that prevents dedicated athletes from showcasing their abilities on a level playing field.

Statistics reveal that Associate Teams frequently outperform more established teams. Their journey to the top is nothing short of miraculous, given the limited resources and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, young players in Nepal and other Associate Nations continue to invest their time, energy, and dreams into the sport, hoping for a fair chance to compete and win based on merit.

We, the advocates of sportsmanship and equality, call upon the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to reconsider and revise the current qualification and ranking rules for cricket at the Asian Games. We propose that all teams be given an equal opportunity to compete through qualifiers, ensuring that only those who perform best on the field proceed to the next stages. This would not only promote fairness but also enrich the competition by showcasing the true talents involved.

It's time for change. Let us bring justice to the game we love and provide all players with the opportunity they deserve to shine on the international stage. Sign this petition to voice your support for fair Asian Games cricket rules and stand with Nepal and every Associate Nation whose dreams depend not on chance, but on the merit of their play.