Dream for cricket fans: New chapter of NPL

KATHMANDU: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), considered Nepal’s biggest professional sports tournament, begins today, attracting unprecedented global interest from cricket fans.

Following the success of its inaugural season, the franchise-based tournament—backed by major corporate and private-sector investment—kicks off as a “Himalayan Festival of Cricket.”

The 24-day league, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), will run until Dec 13 (Mangsir 27).

The opening match tickets sold out immediately, signaling the massive demand and excitement surrounding the new season.

Eight Franchise Teams Competing

This year’s competition features eight teams:
Janakpur Bolts (defending champions), Sudurpashchim Royals (runners-up), Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, and Karnali Yaks.

Each franchise has invested heavily in team building, facilities, and international talent. The league will follow a round-robin format, followed by playoffs to decide the finalists.

Star Players & Salaries

Each franchise has signed one marquee player, all top names in Nepali cricket:

• Aasif Sheikh – Janakpur Bolts

• Dipendra Singh Airee – Sudurpashchim Royals

• Karan KC – Kathmandu Gurkhas

• Kushal Bhurtel – Pokhara Avengers

• Kushal Malla – Chitwan Rhinos

• Sandeep Lamichhane – Biratnagar Kings

• Rohit Paudel – Lumbini Lions

• Sompal Kami – Karnali Yaks

Each marquee player receives Rs 20 lakh, while other squad members earn between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 15 lakh.

International Players from 13 Countries

Players from 13 different nations—including India, Australia, England, and South Africa—have joined various Nepali franchises. Each team is allowed to field up to four foreign players per match.

Several associate-nation players have also been brought in, reflecting growing global interest in Nepal’s cricket ecosystem.

Foreign & Local Coaches Add Expertise

Many teams have hired international coaches:

• Pubudu Dassanayake (Sri Lankan-Canadian), mentor to Sandeep Lamichhane, leads Biratnagar Kings.

• Shivnarine Chanderpaul, West Indian legend, coaches Janakpur Bolts.

• Monty Desai, former Nepal national coach, is with Kathmandu Gurkhas.

• Kalam Ali – Chitwan Rhinos

• Rajeev Kumar – Pokhara Avengers

• Tinu Yohannan – Lumbini Lions

Nepali coaches are also in the mix:

Jagat Tamatta leads Sudurpashchim Royals, while former national captain Gyanendra Malla coaches Karnali Yaks.

Platform for Emerging Talent

All franchises scouted extensively across districts to identify young talent. Many previously overlooked players now have the chance to share the field with national and international stars.

The NPL is seen as a key gateway for rising cricketers to break into the national team.

Prize Money

The prize structure remains the same as last year:

• Winner: Rs 1 crore 11 lakh

• Runner-up: Rs 51 lakh

• Third: Rs 25 lakh

• Fourth: Rs 15 lakh

Additional individual awards—including cash prizes and motorcycles—will also be distributed.

Crucial Preparation for T20 World Cup 2026

For Nepal’s national squad, NPL serves as vital preparation ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Having qualified undefeated in the Asian qualifiers, most national players will be competing in NPL franchises, gaining valuable match practice alongside foreign professionals.

CAN is planning bilateral or tri-nation series with Test-playing nations after the NPL to further strengthen the team’s readiness.

Government Prioritizes Cricket Infrastructure

Significant upgrades have been made at Kirtipur Cricket Stadium, including construction, maintenance, and the installation of floodlights across six towers, enabling Nepal to host night cricket for the first time in history.

The stadium now features colored seating with a capacity of 10,000, of which around 8,000 tickets will be sold per match.

A long-term master plan, already approved by the government, envisions expanding the stadium to a 25,000-seat international venue, requiring an estimated Rs 10 billion investment.

Night Cricket Debut

For the first time ever, Nepali cricket will feature night matches under floodlights, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s development.

Global Broadcast via Star Sports

NPL Season 2 matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports, reaching audiences worldwide.

Nepali broadcasters will also air the matches, with all domestic advertisements reserved for Nepali channels. Star Sports will telecast clean feeds without advertisements, similar to last year. OTT platforms will also stream clean feeds globally.

World-Class Commentators Arrive

Leading international commentators will cover the tournament:

• Andrew Leonard — beloved among Nepali fans

• Aakash Chopra — Indian cricket analyst

• HD Ackerman — former South African cricketer

• Darren Gough — former England fast bowler

Their presence is expected to elevate Nepal’s global cricket image.

NPL Aims for Rs 40 Crore Revenue

CAN expects to generate Rs 40 crore from this season.

Key revenue components include:

• Rs 9 crore from franchise agreements

• Rs 15.40 crore from sponsors

• Rs 5.30 crore from OTT digital rights

• Rs 1 crore from domestic broadcast

• Rs 8–12 crore expected from ticket sales

Trophy Tour and Digital Promotion

Ahead of the tournament, the NPL trophy—crafted using a stone brought from Kala Patthar near Mt. Everest—was taken to several Nepali cities. Though the tour was less grand than last year due to national circumstances, it featured the participation of leading athletes and enthusiastic locals.

The trophy weighs three kilograms.

This year, CAN has also emphasized digital promotion and fan engagement.

Strict Anti-Corruption Measures

CAN has strengthened anti-corruption protocols in coordination with:

• Nepal Police (CIB)

• ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU)

Each team has a Police Inspector assigned to monitor players and staff 24/7. Separate surveillance teams will monitor stadiums and spectator zones. Daily reports from all units will be submitted to the ICC.

NPL’s successful execution will influence ICC’s decision to allow Nepal to host the Women’s World Cup Qualifier.

Security Challenges & National Responsibility

Nepal’s political instability and frequent protests require heightened security arrangements.

Last year, massive crowds at Kirtipur created logistical challenges on opening day. With night matches added this season, security measures have been intensified.

The smooth and successful hosting of NPL is seen as a national responsibility—and an opportunity for Nepal to project a message of stability, readiness, and growth to the world.