England could become the highest international team to tour Nepal as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) explores the possibility of scheduling a short T20I series during the 2027-31 Future Tours Program (FTP) cycle.
Cricket in Nepal has seen significant growth in recent years, with the national team continuing to make strides on the international stage.
Nepal won their first bilateral series against a full ICC member when they defeated the West Indies in the UAE last year, but they are yet to host a full international tour of a Test-playing nation.
That situation could soon change after Cricket Ireland announced in March that it had signed a five-year strategic partnership deal with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) with plans for a white-ball tour in the winter of 2026-27.
England and Nepal met for the first time during the T20 World Cup in February, where England faced off in a thrilling final in front of a packed Nepali crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Following that match, former Nepal captain and current CAN secretary Paras Khatka reportedly discussed the future of Nepali cricket with ECB officials in India.
The ECB is working with other cricket boards on the international calendar for the 2027-31 FTP cycle, although the final schedule will depend on the ICC’s decision regarding the new World Test Championship format.
An important consideration is whether the current minimum requirement of two Tests per series will continue.
Despite England’s already congested international schedule, the ECB is seriously considering an abbreviated men’s tour to Nepal with a two- or three-match T20I series.
The proposed tour would also serve as useful preparation, adding a few extra days to England’s itinerary before another white-ball assignment in Asia like India.
Nepal captain Rohit Bowdel had earlier highlighted the importance of attracting major cricketing nations to the country, saying such tours would significantly raise the profile of the game.
“It will mean a lot, especially if Australia or England come to Nepal,” he said. “It’s world cricket (that) Nepal also plays cricket, and plays decent cricket… It’s very important.”
A recently aired documentary titled Nepal: Climbing Cricket’s Mountain also underlines the passion for cricket in Nepal. At the event, Khatka emphasized the importance of regular matches against strong opposition to help Nepal’s development.
“What Nepali cricket needs now is exposure,” Khatka said. “Being an ODI nation, we love matches against Test playing nations because you can only improve as a cricketer when you play against the best cricketers, against the best opponents. That’s when you learn the game.
“What it will do is it will bring this whole generation of kids back home because cricket is now in the hearts of a young Nepali,” he added. “Cricket is not just a sport. It is the most unifying factor (in the country).”
England’s packed 2027 home summer is already expected to include an Ashes series against Australia, while Pakistan and New Zealand are likely to tour for white-ball duties.
Depending on the ICC’s final decision regarding the 2027-29 World Test Championship structure, Pakistan’s visit could include an additional Test match.
Meanwhile, England Women are set to host Bangladesh and Australia in 2027, although the schedule depends on the timing of the first Women’s Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.