KATHMANDU, Nov 17: The long wait for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) will come to an end on Monday as defending champions Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas face off in the tournament opener.
For the first time in Nepali cricket history, a day/night match will be played under floodlights, with Janakpur and Kathmandu getting the opportunity to contest the inaugural game. The upgraded Kirtipur-based cricket stadium will also host its first major tournament.
The Ministry of Urban Development handed over the first-phase construction of the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) only a day before the inauguration. Until now, cricket fans had watched tournaments in open daylight, but Monday will offer an entirely new experience — one that will feature several globally renowned players.
Supporters will be able to enjoy the match at night from dedicated cheering stands, marking a new chapter in Nepali cricket. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the second edition of the league. The fact that tickets for the opening match sold out within a day confirms the excitement. Many are eager to watch world-class cricketers in action, with Nepal set to embark on a new journey in cricket. This edition features a total of 48 foreign players.
NPL playoffs offer an exciting spectacle
Each franchise has signed six foreign players. Experienced and celebrated cricketers who have played in the World Cup and major franchise leagues worldwide are among the key attractions of NPL’s second edition. This has generated tremendous enthusiasm among supporters. Organized by CAN, the NPL has already become the biggest franchise competition in Nepali sports. The event will run for 27 days and all matches will be played at night.
Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, Martin Guptill, Jimmy Neesham, Ravi Bopara, and Sohail Tanvir were among the key attractions of the first edition. This time too, fans are eager to welcome global cricket stars. Neesham, Bopara, and Tanvir have returned for the second season.
Other major stars are also joining Nepali cricket through this edition. The presence of South African players is notable. South African stars Faf du Plessis, spinner Imran Tahir, and Wayne Parnell will represent different franchise teams at the Kirtipur ground.
England’s Dawid Malan, Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran have further enhanced the glamour of the league. Renowned cricket commentator Aakash Chopra, known for his long-standing interest in Nepali cricket, will also be a key attraction this season. Despite the popularity of the first edition, the NPL governing council led by Paras Khadka faced intense criticism for failing to release financial reports for a long time.
Although the financial details were finally made public after seven months, they have not yet been approved by CAN’s board. Still, acknowledging the necessity of the tournament for cricket development, the board agreed to proceed with the second edition. Initially, there were doubts regarding the continuity of the league, but despite allegations of legal breaches and unapproved accounts, CAN facilitated the organization of the event. CAN also faced criticism for announcing the broadcasting tender through an improper process and for associating with a betting site. Nevertheless, fans remain excited and eagerly await the first ball of the second edition.
CAN claims the NPL has become a tournament worth around one billion rupees. With the arrival of star cricketers, expectations are even higher this season. The 27-day second edition of the NPL will kick off on Monday with defending champions Janakpur Bolts facing Kathmandu Gurkhas — the first match ever to be played under floodlights in Nepal.
It is expected that with the introduction of day/night cricket, Nepali cricket will advance toward a new era. Eight franchise teams are participating this season. The event comes shortly after Nepal qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup for the third time, further energizing fans. It will be the first time Nepali supporters can watch cricket under floodlights in the country.
However, the prize money for the top three teams remains unchanged. The champions will receive Rs 11 million, the runners-up Rs 5.1 million, and the third-place team Rs 2.5 million. CAN has not yet announced the category-wise awards. Nevertheless, the upgraded Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground is expected to echo with the enthusiastic cheers of Nepali fans throughout the tournament.
