Kathmandu, Feb 3 (Reporter) Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has decided not to renew the contract of Nepal national men’s cricket team head coach Monty Desai, following the expiration of his tenure. “It is widely known that CAN appointed Mrugang Jagadish Desai ‘Monty Desai’ as the head coach on a two--year contract, which has now concluded,” CAN said in a press release on Saturday. “CAN has decided not to extend his contract… CAN expresses its sincere thanks to the excellent performance of the Nepali men's national cricket team under Desai’s coaching and the contribution of him connected with the success of the team.” When Desai took over in February 2023, Nepal was teetering on the brink of losing their one-day international (ODI) status. But the 50-year-old Indian coach engineered an unprecedented turnaround, all within a year, according to The Kathmandu Post report. Under Desai, Nepal won 11 out of 12 matches in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, a remarkable feat that not only helped them retain their ODI status but also secure a direct berth in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Nepal also clinched the ACC Premier Cup at home, earning a historic berth at the Asia Cup, where they faced cricketing giants India and Pakistan for the first time. Nepal also had a memorable Hangzhou Asian Games campaign despite missing out on medals. The team created multiple records including Nepal’s first-ever 300-plus score in the T20 Internationals, Kushal Malla’s fastest T20I century (off 34 balls) and Dipendra Singh Airee’s fastest 50 (off just nine balls). Desai also guided Nepal to their first T20 World Cup qualification in a decade, marking their return to the global stage after 2014. Desai’s tenure saw Nepal achieve remarkable milestones within a short span. His ability to resolve Nepal’s long-standing batting inconsistencies was widely lauded, earning him immense respect within the cricketing fraternity. “To the coach who turned ‘One Ball Battles’ into unforgettable victories, and a happy dressing room into a family!,” CAN wrote in a heartfelt tribute on its Facebook page shortly after the announcement. “From defending our ODI status against the odds to locking horns against Asian giants India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup, to dancing on the World Cup stage with passion and commitment, you have made Nepal’s cricketing dreams soar. Your belief, your smiles, and your heart built not just a team, but a lasting legacy. “As you embark on your next adventure, know that our 12th Men will always echo your name—and our gratitude will be as endless as the memories you have gifted us. Thank you, Monty!” CAN spokesperson Chhumbi Lama said that the decision not to renew Desai’s contract was unrelated to the team’s form. “CAN had already decided not to extend Desai’s contract after the World Cup. The decision had nothing to do with the team’s performance.” Lama told the Post. “CAN had appointed Desai on a two-year contract, which has now concluded...////...