The Inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament is set to kick off on Saturday which could start a new chapter in Nepali cricket.
The NPL has already attracted global interest as former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham among the big names, set to highlight up the eight-team competition that will run until December 21.
“The organisation of the NPL is itself a big achievement for CAN and Nepali cricket,” said a Chhumbi Lama.
“For the first time, our domestic tournament will be broadcast worldwide, making the NPL the ideal platform to elevate Nepali cricket to the international stage,” Lama added. “The inaugural league could be a catalyst for Nepali cricket’s golden era.”
The Star Sports Network who holds the rights of IPL, EPL, Wimbledon and ICC events will give the league a global exposure.
“This year, the NPL will be hosted at TU Cricket Ground, but as eight cricket stadiums are currently under construction, we plan to expand to cities outside the Kathmandu Valley,” Lama said. “If floodlights are installed at TU Ground, the future matches will be even more spectacular.”
𝙅𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙔𝙖 𝙃𝙖𝙖𝙧, 𝙆𝙝𝙚𝙡 𝙆𝙤 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙖𝙣 🎶
Presenting the Official Anthem of Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League powered by Ncell—Festival of the Himalayas 🏏🔥
Tune in, feel the energy, and join the movement!#SBLNPL | #HamroJeet | #NepalCricket pic.twitter.com/iFm7pjIjOQ
— Nepal Premier League (@OfficialNPLT20) November 21, 2024
“This will take Nepali cricket into a commercial era, paving the way for further development of the game. We have taken previous mistakes as a lesson. The NPL will be fair,” said Lama.
“Karki will oversee the integrity of the NPL. CAN has also coordinated with all the concerned departments to make sure things comply with the ICC protocol,” he added.
“CAN wants to assure that the league will be without any controversy.”
The NPL has been build on the foundation by earlier tournament like Everest Premier League, Dhangadhi Premier League and Pokhara Premier League is also positioning itself as a game changer for domestic cricket.
Eight franchise teams—Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals—collectively spent more than Rs50 million rupees in the auction.”
“They secured marquee players for 2 million each, while the players graded into A B and C categories were auctioned at base prices ranging from Rs20,000 to Rs1.5 million.
“The NPL will be a big support to domestic cricketers,” Lama said.
“The players are very motivated by the initiative. It also lays the ground for grassroots cricket development as the teams have conducted talent hunts in the provinces they represent.”
“And the exciting participation of hundreds of teenagers in the hunts is further evidence of the game’s popularity.”
In addition to spotlighting emerging players, the NPL cricketers a global stage to showcase their abilities.
“The NPL provides an opportunity for national and domestic players to share the field with foreign professionals and world’s best cricketers. This will help them learn, grow, and improve as cricketers,” said former national player Sharad Vesawkar.
Sharad Vesawkar also emphasised how League could help Nepali talent to the world while providing a financial boost to local players aspiring to build career in cricket.
