Chitwan Rhinos is a franchise cricket team that competes in the Nepal Premier League, Nepal's premier franchise T20 league. Owned by Chitwan Medical College, Rhinos has successfully created a distinct identity among cricket enthusiasts. Chitwan Medical College acquired the franchise ownership rights through an auction held on September 5, 2024. The CMC group submitted its application by August 16, abiding by all the rules and guidelines. Eventually, amid the competitive bidding, Chitwan Medical College successfully gained ownership of the Chitwan franchise with a final bid of Nrs 1,76,01,000.
Mr. Gaida, a Greater One-horned Rhino native to the Chitwan National Park, was revealed as the team's mascot. Rhino also features in the official crest of the franchise along with various other elements native to Chitwan. Swapnil Sharma, the vocalist of Nepal's biggest metal band, the Shadows, and Rohit Shakya composed the team's anthem, Kheldaixa Gaida! Paying homage to Chitwan's various cultural and natural elements, the Rhinos revealed their jersey on November 18, 2024. The team's shirt has grey as the primary color on the chests, with shades of orange and black on the shoulders and the sides. The team's crest uses a one-horned Rhino with a sword and shield behind it. A phrase, #FEARTHECHARGE, has been used as the motto, homage to rhinos' aggressive and assertive nature.
The story behind the crest
Chitwan Rhinos' official team crest features a bold and aggressive depiction of a one-horned Rhinoceros, a shield, and a sword, combined with other elements. The design pays tribute to Chitwan's rich fauna diversity. A one-horned Rhinoceros forms the face of the crest. Asiatic Elephants, famed for the jungle safari in Chitwan, along with the Royal Bengal Tiger, form the vibrant design in the shield. Chital Stag, another prominent mammal native to Chitwan National Park, is present in the faint orange silhouette design. The crest's primary colors are grey, orange, and black. It was unveiled on October 1, 2024, in the build-up to the first edition of the Nepal Premier League.
Meet our Mascot: Mr. Gaida
Ever since the formation of Chitwan Rhinos as a Chitwan-based franchise for the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League in 2024, the team has used Mr. Gaida, a character dressed as a one-horned rhinoceros, as the team's official mascot.
Mr. Gaida features a distinctive white horn and an oversized, stylized grey head with a cartoonish design. He wears jersey number 56, a nod to the area code of Chitwan. He appeared in all the Rhinos’ matches, and fans and enthusiasts loved his lively and engaging personality.
The mighty one-horned rhinoceros, a dominant mammal species in the diverse Chitwan National Park, has long been used as the go-to symbol to represent the Chitwan district and the surrounding Narayani region. One of the crowning jewels in Nepal’s rich floral diversity, Rhinos have been a symbol of strength, power, and fearlessness. In Nepali culture, rhinoceroses are regarded as symbols of strength, power, and fearlessness.
FAN ENGAGEMENT
Heart of Chitwan Rhinos: Chitwan Rhinos takes fan engagement to the next level with our beloved mascot, Mr. Gaida. Named after the one-horned rhino (Gaida) native to Chitwan National Park, he symbolizes the strength, spirit, and pride of our community. Wearing the number 56, representing the Chitwan area code, Mr. Gaida’s connection to the local community is strong.
Mr. Gaida's fun-loving personality is integral to Chitwan Rhinos' commitment to building a vibrant and passionate fan base, bringing fans closer to the team and creating an engaging atmosphere both at the stadium and online.
DRIVEN BY UNITY, SUCCEEDING AS ONE
At Chitwan Rhinos, we believe that true strength lies in unity. “Driven by unity, succeeding as one” is not just a motto; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Every player, every staff member, and every supporter plays a vital role in our journey. Together, as one team, we strive not only for victories on the field but for lasting impact beyond it.
AAYUSH NEUPANE
CHAIRMAN
MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Pratap Devkota
Director
Dr. Aashish Khadka
COO
Rajan Shah
Team Director
Umesh Patwal
Head Coach
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Collaboration with Bharatpur Metro
to provide scholarships for every boundary scored and wicket taken by the team during the league.
Collaboration with Bharatpur Metro and CMC
to provide two-way bus service from Bharatpur to Kathmandu during the Chitwan Rhinos’ matchdays.
Collaboration with Rotaract
to plant trees in proportion to every boundary scored and wickets taken.