Captain Rohit Paudel has called on England and cricket’s other major nations to tour Nepal following their impressive start to the T20 World Cup in India.

The associate side almost pulled off a stunning upset against England on Sunday, losing by four runs in a last-ball thriller.

West Indies, who played a three-match T20 series last year, are the only Test-playing nation to have faced Nepal outside of World Cups, Asia Cups, the Asian Games or their qualifying tournaments.

“It would mean a lot, especially if Australia or England comes to Nepal,” said Paudel.

“That would show world cricket Nepal also plays cricket and plays decent cricket. This World Cup has shown that.

“If Australia, England, India comes our cricket will grow. It will help globalise the cricket more. It is very important.”

Nepal, who want to play Test cricket in the future, also narrowly missed out on beating South Africa at the last T20 World Cup, losing by one run.

They tried to organise more fixtures against the world’s best sides afterwards but could not reach any agreements.

It is understood the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) would be open to playing Nepal in the future, but the packed international calendar is an obvious stumbling block.