Kathmandu: Former captain Gyanendra Malla, appointed head coach for the upcoming Four-Nation T20I Series in Hong Kong in the absence of coach Stuart Law, has described the new role as an opportunity for him.

Former Australia international Law, who was appointed national team head coach on March 28, is yet to arrive in Nepal and take charge of the team.

Speaking at the farewell of the national cricket team organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Monday, Gyanendra said it was an honor to take over the coaching role following a long playing career for the same team.

“Whether as a player or a coach, I believe the primary responsibility is to serve the country. As a coach, I will try my best to fulfill the duty. Coming this far from being a player is a matter of pride. This is an opportunity for me,” said Gyanendra.

“Although we didn’t get much time to prepare, the players are physically and mentally fit. They were busy with the Prime Minister Cup and other domestic events,” he added.

Nepal National Cricket team during a farewell ahead of Hong Kong Tour: Photos: CAN

Nepal captain Rohit Kumar Paudel said that it was not a big surprise for them to get Gyanendra as a coach. “We have already played under him as captain and there’s not much difference playing under him either as a captain or coach. Everyone has accepted him and it is not difficult even for him (Gyanendra),” Rohit said.

Paudel said that the team was ready for the Series despite a short preparation time. “We didn’t get much time. But we managed to prepare 80 to 90 percent within the last 5–6 days. The preparation went well and the crucial things will be to execute our plans once we’re in Hong Kong,” added the captain.

The tournament starting on April 9 will feature Nepal, Hong Kong, Kuwait and Qatar. Nepal will vie against Qatar on the opening day and Kuwait on April 10. They will pand host nation Hong Kong on April 12. The third place and final are scheduled on April 13.