Pubudu Dassanayake’s successor has been named by Nepal as the men’s national team’s head coach. Manoj Prabhakar, a former cricketer for India, has been named the men’s national team of Nepal’s head coach. Pubudu Dassanayake, who just left his job to become the head coach of the Canada men’s team, will be replaced by Prabhakar.

Prabhakar played 169 international matches for India as a bowling all-rounder. He has worked as a head coach for three Ranji Trophy teams and also has international coaching experience having served as Afghanistan bowling coach in 2016.

“Former Indian star all-rounder and Ranji trophy winning coach, Mr. Manoj Prabhakar from India has been appointed as the Head Coach of Nepal National Cricket Team.” the Cricket Association of Nepal announced in a statement confirming his appointment.

“Mr. Prabhakar has played 39 Test matches and 130 One Day Internationals for India. As a Coach, he has experience of working as coach of Afghanistan Cricket Team along with Ranji Trophy teams of Delhi, Rajasthan and UP Cricket Association.”

In response to his appointment, Prabhakar said, “I’m genuinely looking forward to working with the Nepal cricket team to build them into a cricketing powerhouse to be reckoned with. Seeing the love for cricket in Nepal, their talent & skill level.”

The appointment of Prabhakar comes at a crucial time for Nepal cricket. As a result of missing out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 due to Ireland and the United Arab Emirates qualifying from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A competition in Oman, they have recently struggled in international cricket.

With eight victories in 20 games, they are currently ranked second to last in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 standings.

Prabhakar has represented India in 130 One Day Internationals and 39 Test matches. He has coaching expertise having worked with the UP Cricket Association, the Delhi, Rajasthan, and Afghanistan Cricket Teams in the Ranji Trophy.