The Nepal Premier League begins its third edition with international stars, ICC recognition and rising commercial ambitions as organisers forecast NPR 700 million in sponsorship and ticket revenue…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Nepal’s biggest franchise cricket tournament, the Nepal Premier League (NPL), begins its third edition on Monday, with a line-up of international cricket stars, growing commercial investment and official recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) boosting its ambitions.
Defending champions Lumbini Lions will take on last season’s runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu. The eight-team T20 competition will run until November 21.
The other participating teams are Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas and Pokhara Avengers.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah wished the tournament success, describing the NPL as a major celebration of Nepali sport that has grown significantly within a few years. He also welcomed the international players and commentators taking part in the competition.
The league has expanded rapidly over its first two editions, attracting greater investment, corporate sponsorship and international talent. Its standing received a further boost on October 16, when the ICC officially recognised the tournament.
The recognition means performances in the NPL will count towards players’ official T20 statistics, increasing the competition’s significance for domestic and international cricketers.
Several prominent overseas players will feature this season. Former Australia captain David Warner will represent Kathmandu Gorkhas, while West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell and Sri Lankan players Angelo Mathews and Charith Asalanka have joined Biratnagar Kings.
West Indies players Sherfane Rutherford and Fabian Allen will turn out for Sudurpaschim Royals. Pokhara Avengers have signed Bangladesh all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin and Mehidy Hasan.
Karnali Yaks will feature South African finisher David Miller, Pakistan players Hussain Talat and Sahibzada Farhan, and Bangladesh cricketers Ariful Islam and Akbar Ali. Meanwhile, Sami Hossain, Australia’s D’Arcy Short and Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella will represent Lumbini Lions.
The third edition will also introduce the Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time in Nepal, bringing technology-assisted reviews of disputed umpiring decisions to the tournament.
The NPL has attracted strong interest from Nepali cricket supporters, with the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Stadium drawing large crowds during the first two editions. Organisers expect the growing popularity of the competition to generate further commercial opportunities this year.
Franchises have increased their spending on players, while domestic and international brands have backed the tournament. Hotel bookings, merchandise sales, corporate branding and the involvement of major business houses are also expected to contribute to economic activity during the competition.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) secretary Paras Khadka said the NPL had developed into a fully fledged industry within three years, although further investment in cricket infrastructure remained necessary.
CAN expects sponsorship and ticket sales revenue to reach approximately 700 million Nepali rupees (NPR) this season, significantly exceeding the figures recorded in previous editions.
“Revenue from sponsorships will amount to NPR 200 million, while total income from sponsorships and ticket sales will reach around NPR 700 million,” CAN Treasurer Padma Bahadur Khadka said. “As the teams are expected to spend a similar amount, business transactions worth around NPR 1.5 billion will take place during this month.”
According to CAN, the inaugural edition generated NPR 276.96 million in revenue, which increased to more than NPR 473.6 million during the second edition.
With international stars, technological improvements and rising commercial interest, the latest edition is expected to further strengthen the NPL’s position in Nepal’s sporting and business landscape.
