NPL revenue expected to surpass Rs 40 crore, poised to make history

KATHMANDU: The International Cricket Council (ICC)–which awarded Nepal the hosting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in July–has put the tournament’s venue under uncertainty due to the country’s evolving internal situation.

The qualifier, scheduled for Jan 12 to Feb 2 in Nepal, now hangs in the balance.

However, the fate of the event largely depends on the success of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), which begins on Monday, according to Paras Khadka, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

“This situation has arisen because of the country’s current circumstances. ICC is closely monitoring how the NPL is conducted. Only after observing the NPL’s management will ICC make a final decision on whether Nepal can host the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier,” Khadka said, adding that a successful NPL would signal that Nepal is stable and capable of organizing major international tournaments.

Global Participation at Stake

The qualifier is a major opportunity for Nepal, set to feature teams from Bangladesh, Scotland, USA, Thailand, Nepal, Ireland, Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Papua New Guinea.

CAN Aims for Rs 40 Crore Revenue from NPL

CAN is targeting around Rs 40 crore in revenue from the second edition of the NPL.

According to CAN Treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka, the projected income includes:

• Rs 15.40 crore from sponsorships

• Rs 9 crore from renewal fees of the eight franchise teams

• Rs 5.30 crore from OTT broadcasting rights

• Rs 1 crore from local television rights

• Rs 8–12 crore from ticket sales

The OTT subscription fee has been set at Rs 300, and a clean feed broadcast will air on Star Sports, while Nepali TV channels will carry local advertisements.

Stadium Capacity and Security Preparedness

After reconstruction, the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur now accommodates 9,450 spectators, and CAN plans to sell tickets matching this full capacity each day.

The board has also requested that any protest programs during the NPL be held outside Kathmandu to avoid disruptions.

Prize Money Unchanged

The prize money remains the same as last season:

• Champions Janakpur Bolts: Rs 1 crore 11 lakh

• Runner-up Sudurpaschim Royals: Rs 51 lakh

• Third-place Karnali Yaks: Rs 25 lakh

• Fourth-place Chitwan Rhinos: Rs 15 lakh

Nepal’s First-Ever Floodlit Cricket Tournament

CAN confirmed that preparations are complete for the NPL, which will be played under floodlights for the first time in Nepal’s cricket history.

The opening match on Monday will see defending champions Janakpur Bolts take on Kathmandu Gurkhas.