Paras Khadka (Nepali: पारस खड्का; born 24 October 1987) is a Nepalese former cricketer who served as captain of the Nepal national cricket team from 2008 to 2019. An all-rounder, he batted right-handed and bowled both right-arm medium-fast and off-break. He led Nepal through a transformative period in which the side gained Twenty20 International status and played its first One Day International. After retiring from international cricket, he has held senior administrative roles in the Nepalese cricket establishment.
| Full name | Paras Khadka |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 October 1987 |
| Nationality | Nepalese |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right-arm medium-fast; off-break |
| Role | All-rounder |
| International debut | April 2004, against Malaysia |
| National team captain | 2008–2019 |
| Current administrative roles | Secretary, Cricket Association of Nepal; President, Bagmati Province Cricket Association |
Khadka made his debut for Nepal in April 2004 in a match against Malaysia, beginning a career that would span over a decade and a half. He emerged as one of Nepal's most prominent batsmen and a dependable bowling option, earning the captaincy of the national side in 2008.
Under Khadka's leadership, Nepal recorded a series of titles and qualifications that significantly raised the profile of cricket in the country:
In October 2012, during the ACC Trophy Elite, Khadka became the sixth Nepali cricketer to score an international century when he made an unbeaten 106 off 77 balls against Kuwait.
He played in Nepal's inaugural One Day International, against the Netherlands, in August 2018. On 28 January 2019, against the United Arab Emirates, he became the first Nepalese batsman to score a century in an ODI. On 28 September 2019, against Singapore, he became the first batsman to score a century for Nepal in a Twenty20 International.
After his playing career, Khadka transitioned into cricket administration. He serves as the Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal and as the President of the Bagmati Province Cricket Association.
Khadka's tenure as captain coincided with Nepal's progression through the lower divisions of the ICC World Cricket League and its first appearance at a global ICC tournament. His leadership and batting milestones — including the country's first ODI and T20I centuries — mark him as a central figure in the development of Nepalese cricket.