Karnali vs Janakpur in NPL’s final league clash today

KATHMANDU: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) reaches its final league-stage fixture today as Karnali Yaks take on defending champions Janakpur Bolts at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.

The match, scheduled for 3:30 PM, carries only prestige for both sides, as each has collected just two points from six matches and is already out of the playoff race.

Karnali are led by Sompal Kami, while Janakpur’s marquee player Aasif Sheikh headlines a side that has frequently changed captains following repeated setbacks this season.

Meanwhile, Sudurpashchim Royals and Biratnagar Kings have secured spots in the Qualifiers, with Kathmandu Gorkhas and Lumbini Lions advancing to the Eliminator.

All matches of the NPL’s second season are being played at the TU Ground, with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) releasing 9,450 tickets for every game.

The tournament, which began on Mangsir 1, will run until Mangsir 27, featuring 32 matches including the league phase, three playoffs, and the final.

Ticket prices for Saturday’s games have been set at Rs 500 (general) and Rs 1,500 (premium). For other league-stage matches, tickets cost Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, while playoff games are priced at Rs 1,000 (general) and Rs 2,000 (premium).

Eight franchises—Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpashchim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Lumbini Lions—are competing in this year’s tournament.