Who Is Dipendra Singh Airee? Nepal’s Cop-Turned Cricketer Looking To Handcuff Bowlers In T20 World Cup 2024

New Delhi: Yuvraj Singh held the record for the fastest fifty in T20Is for 16 long years before a 24-year-old policeman – Dipendra Singh Airee – from Nepal broke it last year during the Asian Games in Hangzhou against Mongolia. Famously known as ‘The Tiger’ In Nepal cricket, Airee smashed a phenomenal nine-ball fifty to beat Yuvraj’s 12-ball half-century to announce his arrival in the world of cricket. Appearing in their just second T20 World Cup, Nepal will heavily depend on Airee to make amends beyond the group stage.
Born in Mahendranagar, Airee initially aspired to become a soldier. However, that did not happen and he took up cricket against his parent’s wish. For the unknown, Airee started as a pace bowler before frequent injuries forced him to turn on spin. At the same time, he also honed his batting skills which later gave him a name worldwide. He
Promoted from police constable to police assistant head constable at Nepal Police, Airee also became only the third player in the shortest format to hit six sixes in an over during ACC Men’s T20I Premier Cup clash against Qatar in Al Amerat.
Apart from his batting prowess, Airee is brilliant in the fielder and also adds another dynamic to his game with his off-spin. Airee was part of the Nepal team that played their first-ever ODI against Netherland in 2018.
He made his list A debut for his country in 2015-17 ICC World Cricket League Championship. He was also a part of the U-19 World Cup squad in 2016 and also captained the side in 2017 U -19 Asia Cup. “I will do my best to play a role to make the team victorious,” he told Kantipur Television ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. “They call me by the name ‘Tiger’ and that motivates me further. It makes me want to do as much as possible, to give my 110 percent,” he added.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Chief Selector, Dipendra Choudhary, too believes that Airee is a complete player with his batting, bowling, fitness and work ethic. “His off-spin bowling is among the finest. His work ethic, and team spirit stand out,” he said.
“I believe when looked back, he will be counted as one of the best players in Nepal cricket’s history.” Nepal are the placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup 2024 alongside Bangladesh, South Africa, Netherlands and Sri Lanka. They open their campaign against Netherlands on June 4 in Dallas.
Certainly, the whole of Nepal will be looking up to Airee to elevate his country’s performance in the mega extravaganza in United States of America and West Indies.