NPL: A grand cricket carnival kicks off in style

KATHMANDU: Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 kicked off on Monday amid dazzling floodlights and the roar of more than ten thousand cricket fans at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

The chilly evening hills of Kirtipur turned festive as spectators thronged the venue, celebrating Nepal’s biggest cricket carnival well into the night.

The opening match had sold out three days earlier, yet thousands without tickets still gathered outside the stadium.

Some climbed trees while others perched on higher ground just to catch a glimpse of the action—reflecting the soaring excitement surrounding Nepali cricket.

This grand cricket festival will run until Mangsir 27 (Dec 13), with thousands expected to watch each match. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural season, the second edition has emerged even more vibrant, uniting Nepalis from diverse backgrounds through sport.

First-Ever Day–Night Cricket Experience for Nepali Fans

For the first time, Nepali spectators witnessed a day–night cricket match under permanent floodlights. Last year, fans packed the open stands; this year, they enjoyed upgraded seating and improved infrastructure. New local talents received opportunities, and global interest in NPL surged, with international coaches and former players joining the league.

The infrastructure upgrades include Rs 44.77 crore invested for the new parapet and Rs 42.19 crore for floodlights—massive development made possible by fan support and rising commercial value.

Kathmandu Gurkhas Win Opener

Defending champions Janakpur Bolts faced Kathmandu Gurkhas in the opening clash, where Kathmandu claimed a five-wicket victory.

Janakpur posted a modest 131 runs, powered by opener Aasif Sheikh’s half-century, Mayan Yadav’s 34, and Lahiru Samarakoon’s 22. Kathmandu’s foreign recruit Milind Kumar impressed with economical bowling and three crucial wickets.

Chasing the target, Kathmandu’s strong start featured a 70-run opening stand. Aakash Tripathi (39) and Ben Charlesworth (46) steered the innings before momentum slowed in the middle overs. Captain Karan KC later said the pitch favored spin: “TU pitch sometimes helps bowlers, sometimes batters. Today spinners got good assistance.”

Commentary Star Andrew Leonard Returns

Popular commentator Andrew Leonard, affectionately nicknamed “Taklu” by Nepali fans, returned for Season 2. Known for his lively commentary and love for Nepali culture, Leonard once again entertained millions watching from home.

Prize Money

• Winner: Rs 1 crore 10 lakh

• Runner-up: Rs 51 lakh

• Third place: Rs 15 lakh

Competing Teams

The eight franchises in NPL Season 2 are:
Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, Sudurpaschim Royals.

Foreign Signings Strengthen All Teams

Biratnagar Kings

• Faf du Plessis (South Africa, former captain)

• Martin Guptill (New Zealand)

• Merchant de Lange (New Zealand)

• George Munsey (Scotland)

• Jack Hazelet (Australia)

• Shubham Ranjane (USA)

Pokhara Avengers

• Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand)

• Jason Roy (England)

• Adam Rossington (England)

• Dan Douthwaite (England)

• Raymon Reifer (West Indies)

Sudurpaschim Royals

• Chris Lynn (Australia)

• Josh Brown (Australia)

• Scott Kuggeleijn (New Zealand)

• Harmit Singh (USA)

Janakpur Bolts

• Wayne Parnell (South Africa)

• Lahiru Milantha, Lahiru Samarakkun, Sangeet Kore (Sri Lanka)

• Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (Namibia)

• Sanjay Krishnamurthy (USA)

Chitwan Rhinos

• Ravi Bopara (England)

• Dawid Malan (England)

• Saif Ali Jaib (England)

• Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)

• Alpesh Ramjani (Uganda)

Lumbini Lions

• D’Arcy Short (Australia)

• Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan)

• Thomas Draca (Italy)

• Ruben Trumpelmann, JJ Smit (Namibia)

Kathmandu Gurkhas

• John Simpson (England)

• Ben Charlesworth (England)

• Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)

• Sunny Patel (India)

• Ricardo Vasconcelos (South Africa)

• Milind Kumar (USA)

Karnali Yaks

• Will Bosisto (Australia)

• Priyank Panchal, Jaykishan Kolsawala (India)

• Max O’Dowd (Netherlands)

• Mark Watt (Scotland)

• Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan)