Kathmandu — The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) officially began on Monday at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with Prime Minister Balendra Shah inaugurated the tournament.
Prime Minister Shah formally opened the competition by handing the match ball to the umpire ahead of the opening game between defending champions Lumbini Lions and last season’s runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals.
The third season features eight franchise teams: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks.
The month-long tournament will run until November 21, with 32 matches scheduled, including 28 league-stage games followed by four playoff matches. All matches are being played at the Kirtipur cricket ground.
This season has also received International Cricket Council (ICC) recognition, giving the matches official T20 status and allowing player performances to be recorded in official cricket statistics.
The third edition has introduced several improvements, including the Decision Review System (DRS), which allows teams to challenge certain umpiring decisions during matches.
The tournament also has a larger prize pool than previous editions. The champions will receive Rs. 15 million, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 8 million. The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs. 4 million and Rs. 3 million, respectively.
The NPL has attracted both Nepali and international players, adding greater international exposure to Nepal’s domestic franchise cricket. The participation of overseas players is also expected to increase interest in the league among cricket audiences outside Nepal.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has projected that the tournament could generate around Rs. 1.5 billion in economic activity, including revenue from sponsorships, ticket sales, team operations and related businesses.
The NPL is expected to continue supporting the development of Nepali cricket by providing domestic players with opportunities to compete alongside experienced international cricketers.
The NPL Season 3 final is scheduled for November 21 at Kirtipur, when the tournament will crown its third champion.
