The highly anticipated Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, kicks off this Saturday at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. In the inaugural match, Janakpur Bolts will face off against Biratnagar Kings at 12:15 PM, marking the start of a thrilling competition.
Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament features eight franchise teams: Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpaschim Royals.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli unveiled the tournament trophy at a special ceremony in the Dharahara complex, Sundhara, alongside the captains of all eight teams.
The NPL has attracted international attention, with popular sports channel Star Sports broadcasting the matches live, accompanied by commentary from renowned foreign cricket experts.
Each team is permitted to include up to four foreign players in their playing XI and can sign up to six international players in total. This rule has led to the inclusion of high-profile international cricketers, such as Shikhar Dhawan (India), Jimmy Neesham, Martin Guptill (New Zealand), Mohsin Khan (Pakistan), Brandon McMullen (Scotland), Tom Moores (England), Marchant de Lange (South Africa), and Raymon Reifer (West Indies), among others.
The NPL promises a thrilling showcase of cricket talent and is expected to further boost the sport’s popularity in Nepal. Fans eagerly await the action-packed matches set to unfold over the coming weeks.
28th Nov 2024
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