Sudurpaschim Royals dominates with regional players in NPL

KATHMANDU: The Sudurpaschim Royals team, representing Sudurpaschim State in the Nepal Premier Cricket League (NPL), boasts a strong presence of local players.

Among them, 24-year-old Dipendra Singh Airee, ranked second in the world for all-rounders in Nepal’s cricket history, stands out as the marquee player.

The team features seven players from Sudurpaschim, including Airee, Binod Bhandari, Naresh Budhayer, Naren Saud, Khadga Bohara, and Bhojraj Bhatta.

Bowler Abinash Bohara hails from Karnali State, while Aarif Sheikh (Parsa), Arjun Kumal (Gulmi), Ishan Pandey, and Amit Shrestha (both Kathmandu) complete the squad.

Many of these players, including Airee, Aarif, Abinash, Bhandari, Pandey, and Budhayer, have represented Nepal in international competitions.

Foreign Stars Bolster Sudurpaschim Royals

Sudurpaschim Royals have also signed four international players, including UAE’s Rohan Mustafa and Scotland’s Brandon McMullen.

England’s Saif Ali Zaib and New Zealand pacer Scott Kuggeleijn, who has played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, add further strength to the team.

Players Missing Initial Matches

Young players Arjun Kumal and Naren Saud will miss the team’s opening game as they head to the UAE with Nepal’s U-19 squad for the ACC Asia Cup.

Leadership and Mentorship

The team’s head coach is 60-year-old Jagat Tamatta, a seasoned figure in Nepali cricket who has coached men’s, women’s, and youth teams. Tamatta expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and commitment to giving their best. Australian Brad Hodge, a former international cricketer, joins the team as a mentor, while Olympian Deepak Bista serves as the brand ambassador. The Sudurpaschim Royals are owned by Empire Sports.

Tournament Details

The NPL, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), is Nepal’s biggest domestic cricket tournament to date. Eight teams, including Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, and Karnali Yaks, will compete.

The tournament kicks off on Nov 30, with the opening match between Biratnagar Kings and Janakpur Bolts. Sudurpaschim Royals will play their first match against Biratnagar Kings on Dec 3.

Ticketing Information

Tickets for the tournament are priced as follows:

• Group Matches: NPR 300 (General), Rs 500 (VIP)
• Playoffs: NPR 500 (General), Rs 700 (VIP)
• Final: NPR 500 (General), Rs 1,000 (VIP)

Season tickets are available for Rs 4,480 (General) and Rs 8,240 (VIP). Tickets can be purchased via the Khalti app.

Sudurpaschim Royals aim to make a strong impression, backed by regional pride and international expertise, as the NPL prepares to revolutionize Nepali cricket.