Nepal Premier League Debuts Today: A New Era for Nepali Cricket

The inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, begins today in Kathmandu, promising to be a landmark event for Nepali cricket. Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the competition has generated significant excitement with the participation of renowned cricketers from around the world.

Eight franchise teams representing the seven provinces and the federal capital are competing for the prestigious trophy, which features a stone from Kalapatthar engraved with Mount Everest. The tournament will be broadcast live on Star Sports, accompanied by commentary from international experts, adding to its global appeal. The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur has been upgraded with a digital scoreboard and new spectator seating arrangements.

Star players like India’s Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill and Jimmy Neesham, the USA’s Joshua Trump, Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Milantha, Pakistan’s Mohammad Mohsin Khan, and England’s Ben Mike have heightened anticipation among cricket enthusiasts. Many fans, like Raman Thapa from Imadol, have already secured tickets to witness these international players in action.

The NPL presents a valuable opportunity for Nepali cricketers to play alongside seasoned international professionals, potentially driving the long-term development of cricket in Nepal. If managed professionally, the tournament could significantly boost cricket infrastructure and encourage more local and provincial-level competitions.

Investors have shown strong interest in the league, with franchise teams like the Pokhara Avengers fetching around Rs 35.7 million. Though CAN has yet to disclose the total prize money for the tournament, it has announced that the best-performing Nepali cricketer will be rewarded with a car.

The opening match kicks off today at 12:15 PM at the TU Cricket Ground, with the Janakpur Bolts representing Madhesh Province taking on the Biratnagar Kings from Koshi Province. Janakpur Bolts, coached by former Nepal national team coach Pubudu Dassanayake, is led by wicketkeeper Anil Shah and includes marquee player Asif Sheikh, Lalit Rajbanshi, and several international stars like Jimmy Neesham, Joshua Trump, Lahiru Milantha, Mohammad Mohsin Khan, and Ben Mike.

Biratnagar Kings, led by national spin bowler and marquee player Sandeep Lamichhane, features notable players like Lokesh Bam, Pratish GC, and foreign recruits such as Martin Guptill, Aqib Ilyas, Nicholas Kirton, Chris Soul, and Ismail Alam. The team is coached by Kevin O’Brien.

The tournament will also feature teams from Kathmandu, Lumbini, Chitwan, Pokhara, Sudurpaschim, and Karnali. The competition concludes with the final match on December 21 at the same venue.