Even as the Cricket World Cup Qualifier rages on in Zimbabwe, two things are amply clear: first, neither the UAE nor Nepal will play in the sport's flagship tournament to be held in England next year, and second, they are both officially classified as one-day international teams.
While the UAE managed to retain their ODI status, Nepal achieved the landmark for the first time in their history.
This is obviously good news for both sides as it means they will receive much-needed funds from the International Cricket Council, the game's global governing body, to develop the sport in their respective countries.
But as the UAE have learnt during the past four years, it does not guarantee long-term success. There are other challenges that need addressing, one of which is getting them to play more matches and gaining more exposure against the world's elite teams.
In this edition of Extra Time, Assistant Sports Editor Chitrabhanu Kadalayil speaks with staff writer Paul Radley, who was in Zimbabwe to follow the UAE's progress. There are also conversations with UAE coach Dougie Brown and former Nepal captain Binod Das, who provide plenty of insight on the road ahead for the teams.
Also, what are the prospects of a UAE-Nepal bilateral series? To find out, listen in.
This podcast was produced by Kevin Jeffers.
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Read more
- UAE well-placed to host one-day internationals, but high costs prove to be major obstacles
- Captain Paras Khadka hopes one-day international status will help transform game in Nepal
- UAE's World Cup hopes extinguished but coach Dougie Brown refuses to look for excuses
- Paul Radley: Why the UAE's achievement of retaining ODI status deserves to be celebrated
- Chitrabhanu Kadalayil: WCL Division 2 shows World Cup must be inclusive, not exclusive
- Watch: Lamichhane rises to occasion in another 'heart-attack game' as Nepal edge Kenya
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