MUMBAI: Monty Desai has quit as the Nepal cricket team's head coach.
In an emotional note on Facebook on Sunday, Desai wrote: "Dear Nepal, This is NOT a goodbye, but a heartfelt THANK YOU! On January 10, 2023, I embraced the opportunity with the Cricket Association of Nepal, stepping into the unknown with excitement and purpose, hoping to build a story that would leave a lasting impact on Nepal cricket."
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Desai was in charge of Nepal for two years, a period during which they qualified for the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 Asia Cup, though they couldn't win a match in either of the tournaments.
"These two years have been unforgettable, filled with cherished moments and shared milestones. The Asia Cup qualification at TU Ground, where fans climbed trees and stood with umbrellas, and the World Cup qualification in Mulpani, where the crowd was electric, defined Nepal’s passion and resilience."
"This journey had its highs and lows, and I’m grateful to have played a small role alongside CAN Management, selectors, players, coaches, officials, scorers, groundsmen, cameramen, commentators, and my captain, Rohit Paudel. Every individual contributed in their own way, and I deeply value the camaraderie we built," he wrote on the social media platform.
Addressing the players in his post, Desai wrote: "You carry the dreams of millions. Stay grounded, embrace the One Ball Battle mindset, and keep pushing boundaries. The Happy Dressing Room philosophy built on relationships, openness, oneness, and accountability will always be your strength."
Thanking to fans and people of Nepal, he wrote: "Your unwavering support has been our biggest strength. Keep believing in this team! Nepal has been my home away from home. Cricket here is more than a sport; it is an emotion that unites this nation!"
Expressing his gratitude to the CAN management for hiring him, Desai wrote: "Thank you for the opportunity to lead. The foundation is set! Stay united and keep making Nepal proud."
Desai was West Indies’ batting coach from 2019-22, and was also a part of the Indian Premier League franchises Rajasthan Royals and the now defunct Gujarat Lions as a performance coach and talent scout.
