Cricket Grounds in Kathmandu: The Honest List
Where to actually play cricket in Kathmandu in 2026 — nets, box cricket, and full grounds with real prices, parking notes, and trade-offs.
Table of contents11 sections
Finding a cricket pitch in Kathmandu used to mean three WhatsApp groups, four phone calls, and one venue that "forgot" your booking. This post is the shortcut. It maps out where you can actually play — nets, box cricket cages, and full grounds — across the valley, with real price ranges, parking notes, and honest trade-offs.
By the end you will know which neighborhoods to target, what 14 people should expect to pay for a 2-hour Saturday slot, and where the soft spots are (parking, monsoon, peak pricing).
What "cricket ground" means in Kathmandu
The valley does not have many full-size cricket grounds inside the ring road. What you find instead is a layered market:
- Cricket nets — single or twin practice nets, usually inside a futsal or multi-sport complex. Rs. 800-1,500/hr.
- Box cricket cages — fully netted 5-a-side or 6-a-side enclosed pitches. Rs. 1,500-3,000/hr.
- Full grounds — outdoor turf or matting wickets, mostly outside the ring road. Rs. 4,000-12,000 per 2-3 hour slot.
- Institutional grounds — TU Kirtipur, Mulpani, and a handful of school grounds. Mostly closed to public, occasionally available through clubs.
Most groups of 10-14 friends end up booking box cricket. It is faster to organize, weather-tolerant under partial cover, and easier on the wallet.
Neighborhoods worth checking
Mulpani and Gokarna belt (north-east)
This is the closest thing Kathmandu has to a "cricket zone." Multiple full grounds operate here, ICC-affiliated nets cluster around Mulpani Cricket Ground, and you will find genuine turf wickets. Drive time from Maitighar is 35-45 minutes off-peak, much worse in evening traffic. Expect Rs. 6,000-10,000 for a 2-3 hour ground slot.
Chabahil and Boudha (north-east, inside ring road)
Several multi-sport complexes here offer cricket nets bundled with futsal courts. Good for after-work practice, weak for full-team games. Nets run Rs. 800-1,200/hr. Parking is tight after 6pm.
Balaju and Sitapaila (north-west)
A few open grounds and net facilities sit on the slope below Swayambhu. Useful if you live in Kalanki, Balaju, or Tahachal. Quality varies — visit once before booking for 14 people.
Pepsicola and Koteshwor (east)
Box cricket has grown here in the last three years. New cages with proper netting, lights, and basic washroom blocks. Rs. 1,800-2,800/hr typical. Easy parking is the main draw.
Outside the ring road (Bhaktapur side)
For a proper full-pitch match, Bhaktapur and Suryabinayak have a few options that are quieter on weekends. Drive 45-60 minutes from Lalitpur side. Pricing is friendlier — Rs. 4,000-7,000 per 3-hour slot — but the commute kills it for after-work games.
What a fair price looks like in 2026
These are typical ranges. Individual venues will be higher or lower; treat them as sanity checks.
| Format | Off-peak (weekday morning) | Peak (Sat/Sun 6am-noon, weekday 6-10pm) |
|---|---|---|
| Single net, 1 hr | Rs. 700-900 | Rs. 1,000-1,500 |
| Box cricket, 1 hr | Rs. 1,400-2,000 | Rs. 2,000-3,000 |
| Full ground, 2-3 hr | Rs. 4,000-7,000 | Rs. 7,000-12,000 |
Add Rs. 300-800 for lights at most outdoor venues. A handful of indoor cages include lights in the base price — ask before you confirm.
Booking trade-offs to know
Saturday 7am is the most contested slot in Kathmandu cricket. Office teams, college reunion groups, and serious clubs all want it. Book 7-10 days out, not the day before.
Monsoon (June-September) is brutal for outdoor pitches. Box cricket and covered nets keep running. If you want a full ground in monsoon, have a backup nets booking in the same complex.
Deposits are normal. Most venues take 30-50% upfront to lock the slot. Refund policies vary — some refund up to 24 hours out, others keep the deposit no matter what. Read the policy before you pay.
Lights are billed separately at many outdoor grounds. A "Rs. 5,000 ground" can become Rs. 5,800 if you run past sunset.
How Maidaan helps
Maidaan lists cricket nets, box cricket cages, and full grounds across Kathmandu and Lalitpur with live availability, real pricing (including lights and deposit terms), and one-tap booking. You can filter by sport, city, and slot length without making a single phone call.
Browse cricket venues in Kathmandu or start with the full venue map to see what is open this weekend.
Pick a slot this week
If you have a group of 8-14 and want to play this Saturday, the call is simple: box cricket in Pepsicola, Chabahil, or Mulpani if it is monsoon; a full ground in the Mulpani belt if the sky is clear. Browse cricket grounds in Kathmandu on Maidaan and lock the slot before Thursday.
Prices and venue details are as of 2026 and shift with the season. Always confirm the latest rate with the venue at booking time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a realistic budget for a Saturday morning cricket match with 14 friends?
For a full-ground 3-hour slot in Kathmandu, budget Rs. 8,000-12,000 split across 14 = roughly Rs. 600-900 per head. Box cricket runs cheaper at Rs. 300-500 per head for the same group size.
Are there any free cricket grounds in Kathmandu?
A few open grounds (parts of Tundikhel, some school grounds on weekends) are technically public, but availability is unreliable and you cannot book a slot. For a guaranteed pitch, paid venues are the only realistic option.
Can we play cricket during monsoon?
Yes, but stick to box cricket cages or covered nets. Outdoor grounds shut for days after heavy rain. A 24-hour weather buffer in your booking helps.
How far in advance should we book?
Weekend peak slots (Sat/Sun mornings): 7-10 days out. Weekday evenings: 2-4 days. Last-minute (same-day) bookings are possible mid-week, especially before 4pm.
Do venues provide cricket gear?
Most provide stumps, bails, and a tennis or rubber ball for box cricket. Bats, pads, and leather balls are usually your responsibility. Confirm when you book.
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