Bhutan’s national team is gearing up for ACC elite cup in Kuwait

Bhutan’s national team is gearing up for the Asian cricket council (ACC) elite cup in Kuwait, which will begin in April. The squad of 14 players, despite leaving behind five key players, is confident and optimistic about performing at their best.

Lobzang Yonten, a teacher from Merak Sakteng and Manoj from Tashi Bank are two of the five. “Although they’re really interested in joining the team to Kuwait, they’re bound by their official duties,” said the coach

Bhutan will be playing against United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore, Nepal, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Malaysia.

“I’ve never played an ACC elite cup and I’m very excited and nervous at the same time,” said bowler Tandin Wangchuk.

Many team members expressed their concern over the lack of a good bowler, including the youth national coach of Bhutan cricket council board Damber S Gurung. “In spite of their absence, we feel competent and up for the tournament,” said Damber.

Although winning the tournament seems like a distant dream, the national squad is eying at least two wins to retain their position in the elite cup group. Failure to do so will result in the team being relegated to challenge cup level.

“It’s a golden opportunity for me to play in the elite cup,” the team’s youngest player Susil S Luite said. “It’s a matter of pride and satisfaction for me to be representing my country.”