Bhawana Ghimire is a widely respected sports administrator from Nepal, known for breaking barriers in the field of cricket management. Her journey started in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she grew up wanting to make a difference. She completed her Bachelor's in Business Administration from Nepal Commerce Campus and later earned her MBA from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom in 2006. After finishing her studies, Bhawana gained valuable experience working at Punjab National Bank in London. She then moved to Bahrain, where she worked as a Relationship Officer for a wealth management company. During this time, she got exposure to major sports events like Formula One, the English Premier League, and Spain’s La Liga, which deepened her interest in sports management.
In October 2014, Bhawana was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), making her the first woman to head a national cricket board in the subcontinent. This was a historic moment for Nepal and for women in sports administration. Bhawana’s main responsibilities included overseeing all CAN activities, coordinating with organizations like the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council, and managing sponsorships for the national team. At the same time, she focused on bringing professionalism to Nepali cricket by pushing for clear plans and better organization.
One of her most important achievements as CEO was introducing the first-ever central contracts for Nepal’s national cricketers, which gave players more job security and support. She also played a big role in securing a large sponsorship deal with Nepal Telecom, which helped provide funds needed for cricket development in the country. In addition, Bhawana organized unique tributes to the late Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, including a special 63-over match and carrying cricket gear to Mount Everest, capturing attention in the global cricket community.
Her leadership was especially visible during the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Bhawana started the “Bat for Nepal” campaign, appealing to cricket fans and organizations worldwide to support relief and rebuilding efforts. She worked to rebuild destroyed cricket infrastructure and bring back hope through sports.
Even after her time as CEO of CAN, Bhawana continued serving Nepalese cricket in different ways. She became the Executive Director of the Bat and Ball Foundation, a non-profit working to promote cricket and give opportunities to young people in Nepal. She has also held consultancy and coordinator roles with the International Cricket Council and other major sports organizations, sharing her knowledge and helping others grow.
In July 2025, Bhawana Ghimire made headlines once again as she took on the role of CEO for the Lumbini Lions cricket team in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). This new position put her back in a leading role, where her experience and vision are expected to help the team become more professional and successful. The management of Lumbini Lions shared their confidence in her ability to guide and inspire the team to achieve new heights.
Bhawana Ghimire’s story is one of determination and courage. She has shown that with vision and hard work, it is possible to break traditional roles and make a real impact, even in fields dominated by men. Her thoughtful leadership and commitment have helped shape the path of cricket in Nepal and inspired many young people, especially women, to dream bigger and believe in themselves.