NPL 2025 set to kick off Monday with Nepal’s first night cricket

KATHMANDU: Preparations for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have wrapped up, paving the way for the national cricket tournament to kick off this Monday.

The 2025 season will run from Nov 17 to De 13.

After the strong reception of the inaugural NPL, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is anticipating even greater nationwide interest this year.

General Secretary Paras Khadka said during a press meet on Saturday that all arrangements have been completed and expressed confidence that the new day-night match format will attract larger crowds.

The matches will be played under floodlights installed recently at the Tribhuvan University cricket ground.

Prize money for the tournament remains unchanged from the first edition.

The champions will earn Rs 11 million, the runners-up will receive Rs 5.1 million, while Rs 2.5 million and Rs 1.5 million have been allocated for the third- and fourth-placed teams respectively.

The TU ground has undergone notable upgrades, including a new parapet with seating for around 10,000 spectators.

Six lighting towers fitted with 70 bulbs each—420 in total—have been installed, making night cricket possible in Nepal for the first time.

CAN believes the enhanced infrastructure will significantly improve the match-day experience.

Organizers expect to generate between Rs 300 million and Rs 400 million from the tournament and have already secured sponsorship commitments of Rs 150 million.

Eight franchises will participate in NPL 2025.

Defending champions Janakpur Bolts will face Kathmandu Gurkhas in the opening fixture, scheduled for 4 pm on Monday at the TU cricket ground in Kirtipur.