Cow Corner

२०२१ जुलाई २४ · ५१ मिनेट

Rubina Chhetry is an icon for many sportspersons in Nepal. And her story is nothing but inspirational. From being raised by a single mother to being denied passport to travel with Nepal national team, she's seen it all. And she's also seen herself becoming the first ever Nepali cricketer to register a hat-trick in an ICC event, when she singlehandedly defeated Singapore women's team when they required two runs to win and had five wickets in hand. Currently she's captain of Nepali team. She's also a rebel, having left the cushion of a comfortable job with all strong Armed Police Force team, taking up cricketing activities in her province and making sure her team wins the nationals against the same team she once was a part of. She loves not walking the beaten path. Here, she talks about her journey from backwaters of Nepali cricket to the national team leadership.

२०२१ जुलाई ३ · १४ मिनेट

Navin Khatiwada has many faces, one of which is that of a sports journalist. Though he's worked for other beats, Navin remains quintessential sports journalist, as he says he enjoyed it more than any other field of work. He has worked extensively in Radio, TV, Print and Online news. I may have started liking him because we had similar tastes. He enjoyed watching the same players that I did, supported the same teams I did across sports. Also he loves his whiskey - perhaps even more than I did! It might have started as a liking for a person with similar tastes, but over the years I have grown to admire him, for what he is - a cricket enthusiast, lover of all sports, poetry aficionado and a poet with a rebel mind. In this chat, he talks about his fondness of cricket, how he started liking things that he did and also explains why he wrote a thesis on Langston Hughes' 11-line poem 'Harlem' and what it meant for him. For the uninitiated, here's the poem: What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

२०२१ जुन १९ · ५४ मिनेट

To those who watched Nepali Cricket in 80s and early 90s, Sushil Chaugai was an allrounder who batted with gumption and bowled with guile. His biggest weapon being swing in conditions that may not favor seam bowling. Yet, Chaugai is better known for his fiery temper with the cricketers whom he managed, especially for Kalaiya Cricket Club in Nepal. Strange, none of his wards complain for his temper. They say Chaugai was instrumental in making them better cricketers and later helped them play for the country (at least some of them). Chaugai live for two Cs - Cricket and Cinema, and loves them with his core. He is in US now, with his son Kanishka Chaugai - who many believe could have been the next big thing for Nepali Cricket in early 2000s. We caught up with senior Chaugai, who in turn opened his heart for us.

२०२१ जुन १२ · ७ मिनेट

Yub Raj might have taken up cricket full time - at least given it go with full throttle - had he not had Nepal's illustrious cricketers of that generation as his friends. They made sure his cricketing ambition remained limited to academic interest and school squad. But that could not diminish the interest his uncle ignited in him, while he was little bigger than a toddler. A doctor by profession, Yub Raj loves talking cricket - international or Nepal - with just about anyone.

२०२१ अप्रिल २४ · १६ मिनेट

Sanjeev Pokharel is Anthropologist by academics. But he doesn't want to wear it on his sleeves too seriously. He says, 'In our chats, we don't have to bring in our field of discipline all the time. Carrying a bit of 'Common Sense' in talks is enough." Needless to say, he is one of the most sought after commentators in Nepal's media. In this chat on #CowCorner, we talk about his take on #Cricket, his disenchantment with the game and a lot of digression from the topic - because digressions tell us stories we would not be able to hear if that is lacking

२०२१ अप्रिल १७ · ५ मिनेट

Sanjam Regmi is perhaps the most talkative Nepali Cricketer. He has opinions and he doesn't hesitate to share it with anyone. He always used to ask me, in my cricket reporting days, "Did you read this book?" and would throw names of 3-4 titles. I would not say no, even if I had not read the book. Perhaps I feared being taken as a lesser reporter than I wanted to be seen as. Sanjam played for the national side way back in 2001, when Nepal team traveled to Canada for ICC Trophy. The following year, he played for the U-19 team in the U-19 World Cup, when Nepal played the Plate Final. That's when Nepal was noticed in international cricket for the first time. Sanjam may not be the force he once was, with his bowling. But that doesn't stop him from dishing out verbal punches. Listen to what he has to say, in this episode of #CowCorner

२०२१ अप्रिल २ · ४९ मिनेट

Sita Ranamagar has been in #Nepali Team since Nepal played its first International Women's cricket match. Barring 2009, when she was not selected in the team, Sita has been mainstay of Nepal's women team. Not being selected in 2009 changed her life, as then she turned her game around completely to become main batter of the team from being a bowler who was named as best bowler in her debut international tournament. Sita's cricket journey is inspirational. Her father, in her younger days opposed her playing. Now he keeps tab of her matches and her performance. Motivation for many budding cricketers, Sita remains humble and a prankster of the team. Becoming vice-captain of the team has not changed it. You have to listen to Sita's story to know what a girl has to do to become a player.

२०२१ मार्च २७ · २१ मिनेट

Janak Poudyal, Jotare Dhaiba (Jeevan Karki) and Rupesh Shrestha are poets that need no introduction in Nepal. I, Somesh Verma, have had the luxury of working with them. Needless to say, they are among my favorite colleagues apart from being favorite poets. They, along with another fine poet Kamal Kumar, created a forum called Cafe Kavita, bringing Nepali poets to Cafe Culture of Kathmandu. Though dormant now, Cafe Kavita was a rage in its heydays. Another common thing with these poets is, they worked for Kantipur Television together, bringing energy to the team. These men are diverse in their writings and do not hesitate to pull each others' legs and share a laugh. In this episode of #CowCorner, they present their take on poetry, how they write what they write and the process of creating.

२०२१ मार्च २० · ५७ मिनेट

Bardan Chalise was what you wanted your favorite cricketer to be. Busy on the field, scoring quick 30-40s, chipping in with a couple of important wickets off opposition, added to his electric fielding. Vice captain of the glorious Nepali team to Under 19 World Cup in 2002 - when Sri Lanka international Roy Dias took the boys to New Zealand - Bardan was instrumental for Nepal's fortunes, especially when Nepal beat Test nation Pakistan. He was Nepal's MVP for the tournament (although there was no such formal title). Bardan had a great career waiting for him. But he left Nepali Cricket when he was 20. It is difficult to say who was at a greater loss, Nepal Cricket having missed Bardan or Bardan having missed Nepali Cricket. In this chat, Bardan talks about his young days and what fascinated him to take up the sport.

२०२१ मार्च १३ · ४४ मिनेट

If you know about Nepal's medical field it would be difficult to miss the name Raamesh Koirala, for he is the surgeon who operated upon notorious criminal mastermind Charles Sobhraj. Koirala's fame may have come from his academics, but he's an accomplished writer with a few novels to his name already. When he's not busy operating upon hearts, he can be seen engaging on #Twitter, where his wit and sarcasm is as famous as his work with scalpel. Many may not know that he is a #cricket fan, having played and followed the game since childhood. Here he talks about the game he loves to watch. Koirala is on twitter as @RaameshKoirala

२०२१ मार्च ६ · १३ मिनेट

Pabitra Raut wears many hats. A lawyer by academics, Pabitra was a journalist for Radio and also Newspaper. She learnt #cricket scoring because she wanted to learn cricket terms better than others. Also trained as a cricket umpire. And she says, cricket is family... No wonder her family members turn to her whenever they need legal advice, and they're found at her household during festivals. Pabutra tweets as @MeEsquire

२०२१ फेब्रुअरी १४ · ७ मिनेट

Damakant Jayshi is a famous name in Nepal's English language Journalism. More famously known as DK - even before Dinesh Karthik burst into International Cricket - among friends and colleagues, Damakant had made waves in Nepal's journalism. Known for his straight shooting conversation and meticulous working, almost round the clock, DK is not likely to become a diplomat ever. Here DK talks about what #Cricket meant for him while growing up and later. DK tweets as @damakant

२०२१ फेब्रुअरी ७ · ५९ मिनेट

Binod Das has had an exemplary #Cricket career for Nepal. The finest of Nepali fast bowlers - notably in the longer version - and a solid batsman, often underrated, Binod also captained Team Nepal. One of the best Cricket minds in Nepal, Binod has also coached Nepal Team. Here he shares his story with Somesh Verma. Binod tweets as @binodsum

२०२१ जनवरी ३० · ५५ मिनेट

Anil Ghimire was a known Sports Journalist in Nepal. A person with a physique of a player himself, #Cricket has been a passion with him. A supporter of South African team when Nepal is not playing, Anil feels desperately wants Proteas to win the World Cup or Nepal to play Test matches. Lately he is more known on Twitter circle for pointing out mistakes of online news portals. He scares Editors of Nepal with his twitter handle @BabaAnealChe

२०२१ जनवरी २३ · ४ मिनेट

Sudin Pokhrel is among the pioneer rappers in Nepal. His talent for singing in only surpassed by his love for #Cricket. Given a choice, he would rather don #Nepal Jersey than get an award for his singing. Here he talks about his love for Cricket and what the game means in his life. He tweets as @SudinPokhrel

२०२१ जनवरी १७ · ५१ मिनेट

Pawan Agrawal was captain of Nepal Cricket Team before Nepali #Cricket was fashionable. His nuanced view on Cricket and Cricket management is much sought after in Nepali media. We present no-holds barred conversation with Pawan. He tweets as @pawan_agrawal73

२०२१ जनवरी १० · ५१ मिनेट

Sohan Shrestha used to be the thick, bold voice of Nepali Radio News, when Nepali private FM radios began disseminating news in late 90s. Of late, he's hung up his journalist shoes for Corporate suits. However, that hasn't diminished his love for Cricket, which began as a young kid growing up in Nepalgunj. He tweets as @ssohan

२०२१ जनवरी २ · ४५ मिनेट

The name Akhilesh Upadhyay needs no introduction in Nepal. He has been the longest serving Chief Editor of The Kathmandu Post. Many don't know that he began his career as a sports journalist and is a big time sports buff. A die-hard Liverpool fan, he follows a range of sports - including his most recent fondness for motor-racing and newly knighted Lewis Hamilton. You just have to listen to him to find why he still loves cricket the most... He tweets as @AkhileshU

२०२० डिसेम्बर २७ · ३९ मिनेट

Binod Pandey is a known name in #Nepali #Sports #Journalism. A name that cannot be ignored when it comes to Cricket Writing in #Nepal, Binod has spent over 2 decades in Journalism. He's an informal go-to person for many, if they need Nepali Cricket statistics. In the second of the two-part conversation, Binod talks about cricketers, past and present... #BinodPandey

२०२० डिसेम्बर २० · ३९ मिनेट

Binod Pandey is a known name in #Nepali #Sports #Journalism. A name that cannot be ignored when it comes to Cricket Writing in #Nepal, Binod has spent over 2 decades in Journalism. He's an informal go-to person for many, if they need Nepali Cricket statistics. In the first of the two-part conversation, Binod talks about his cricket writing... #BinodPandey

२०२० डिसेम्बर १३ · २८ मिनेट

Pubudu Dassanayake played Test Cricket for Sri Lanka and represented #Canada in Cricket World Cup. Later he coached Canada to Cricket World Cup. In Nepal he enjoys status of a star, bigger than many #Nepali cricket players. He was the head coach #Nepal Cricket Team when it qualified for T20 World Cup in 2014. In the second of two-part conversation, Pubudu talks about his days as a coach and what made him a good one! #WorldCup #T20 #Cricket # SriLanka

२०२० डिसेम्बर ५ · २८ मिनेट

Pubudu Dassanayake played Test Cricket for Sri Lanka and represented #Canada in Cricket World Cup. Later he coached Canada to Cricket World Cup. In Nepal he enjoys status of a star, having been head coach of #Nepal Cricket Team. In the first of two-part conversation, Pubudu talks about his days as a cricketer, his success, struggles and also his regrets! #Cricket #WorldCup #SriLanka

२०२० नोभेम्बर २९ · ३८ मिनेट

Known on #Nepali Twitter circle for his love for Statistics and Cricket, Satish Pandey is a Public Health professional. In his youth, he played as an all-rounder for Kathmandu Khel Mandal (KKM), a well known cricket Club in #Kathmandu, #Nepal. His observations of the game is second to none, as you will hear in this episode!

२०२० नोभेम्बर २२ · ४० मिनेट

Saurabh B Singh is a medical doctor, who practices his trade in #USA. An old school cricket fan, Saurabh still loves to watch a Test match over T20. He talks about how it was growing up with cricket in #Nepal in the 90s and what he loves about this game...

२०२० नोभेम्बर १ · ४० मिनेट

Bhaskar Gyawali, a former sports journalist from #Nepal who worked with big media houses like #Kantipur Television and #Republica National Daily, talks about his love for Cricket through the years...

२०२० नोभेम्बर १ · १ मिनेट

An introduction of what we want to do here!