Former Nepal captain Gyanendra Malla declared his retirement from the world of international cricket. The news comes as a surprise to many fans.

Former Nepal Captain Gyanendra Malla Retires From International Cricket
Former Nepal cricket captain Gyanendra Malla made a heartfelt announcement on Friday, revealing his decision to retire from international cricket.
The news surprised many fans as Gyanendra Malla had been a prominent figure in Nepal’s cricketing landscape since his debut in 2006.
The retirement announcement took place at a press conference held in Kathmandu, where Malla expressed his desire to embark on a different journey.
During the press conference, Gyanendra Malla mentioned that he won’t be continuing his cricketing career at the domestic level either.
Former Nepal Captain Gyanendra Malla Journey
His cricket journey began in 2005 when he started playing age group cricket. He progressed through the ranks, representing the U-15 team and eventually making his debut for the national senior team in 2006 at the U-17 and U-19 levels.
His last match in Nepal’s jersey was against Ireland during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers at the Harare Stadium in Zimbabwe in 2023.
Gyanendra Malla made his international debut against Namibia in the 2006 Intercontinental Cup. Over the course of a decade and a half, he contributed significantly to Nepal’s cricketing success.
After Paras Khadka took on the captaincy in 2009, Malla served as the vice-captain for an impressive 10-year period.
Gyanendra Malla Captaincy
Following Paras Khadka’s resignation from the captaincy in November 2019, the mantle of leadership was handed over to Gyanendra Malla, and he captained the Nepali national cricket team until March 2021.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Malla showcased his skills in 37 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 45 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
During his time on the pitch, Gyanendra Malla has left an indelible mark on Nepalese cricket. The 32-year-old’s impressive record includes scoring 876 runs in ODIs, with seven half-centuries, and amassing 883 runs in T20Is at a commendable strike rate of 120.29.
Notably, he also recorded a century and two fifties in the shortest format of the game.
In an emotional statement posted on Twitter, Malla expressed his gratitude to the sport that has defined his life’s journey.
He acknowledged that cricket has taught him invaluable lessons about determination, unity, and the essence of life itself.
From humble beginnings in local matches to proudly representing the nation, Malla cherishes the privilege of wearing the colors that symbolize the hopes and dreams of Nepal.
The departing captain also took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt appreciation to his teammates, who became more than just colleagues – they became his family.
Together, they forged an unbreakable bond that will remain cherished in his heart. Malla thanked his coaches and support staff, acknowledging their instrumental role in shaping his career and keeping him on the path to success.
He also expressed immense gratitude to the supporters whose cheers echoed in his heart, providing unwavering encouragement throughout his cricketing journey.
Although Gyanendra Malla’s retirement marks the end of an era, he sees it as the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
He is determined to remain an ardent supporter of the sport that he loves dearly. As he transitions from a player to a spectator, Malla will continue to witness cricket’s evolution and proudly represent his beloved country as a flag-bearer.
During his captaincy tenure, Gyanendra Malla led the Nepalese team in ten ODIs, securing an impressive six victories. Under his guidance in T20Is, Nepal celebrated nine victories out of 12 matches, a testament to his leadership and strategic prowess.
Notably, Malla etched his name in history as the first Nepalese player to score an ODI half-century during the team’s inaugural 50-over appearance against the Netherlands in 2018.

Apart from his senior international career, Malla also represented Nepal in two Under-19 World Cups in 2006 and 2008. These tournaments allowed him to hone his skills and showcase his potential from a young age.
As Gyanendra Malla takes his leave from international cricket, the Nepalese cricketing fraternity bids farewell to a true icon and a source of inspiration for aspiring players.
His journey has been one of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport he loves. While he may no longer grace the cricketing field as a player, his legacy will undoubtedly endure as an integral part of Nepal’s cricketing history.
The nation will forever remember and celebrate the remarkable achievements of their beloved former captain.