Kathmandu, Nov 17: The second edition of the National Premier League (NPL) cricket kicks off today at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
According to Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) President Chatur Bahadur Chand, the tournament will officially begin at 2 PM, followed by the opening match at 4 PM.
The NPL, which will run until December 13, will feature a total of 32 matches, including the league stage, three playoffs, and the final.
The upgraded TU Cricket ground, now equipped with new parapets and floodlights, has elevated excitement among cricket fans for this year’s NPL. The opening match will see defending champions Janakpur Bolts face off against Kathmandu Gorkhas.
This edition features a newly constructed parapet with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators, allowing fans to enjoy the games comfortably. With the installation of floodlights, matches can now be held at night, similar to international cricket venues. The Ministry of Urban Development handed over the upgraded infrastructure to CAN through the National Sports Council just days before the event.
The tournament champions will receive Rs. 1 crore 10 lakh in prize money. In the previous edition, Janakpur Bolts clinched the title after defeating Sudurpashchim Royals.
The runner-up team will receive Rs. 51 lakh, while the third-place and fourth-place teams will be awarded Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 15 lakh, respectively. All NPL matches will be held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
CAN has announced that 9,450 tickets will be sold per match day. Tickets for the opening day were sold out two days in advance. The ticket prices for Saturday’s opening match are set at Rs. 500 for general entry and Rs. 1,500 for premium seating. For league-stage and other regular matches, ticket prices remain Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000.
For the playoff matches, ticket prices increase to Rs. 1,000 (general) and Rs. 2,000 (premium). CAN has also set the price of a seasonal ticket at Rs. 15,000.
This season, eight franchise teams will compete:
Janakpur Bolts (defending champions), Sudurpashchim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Lumbini Lions.
CAN aims to generate Rs. 40 crore in revenue from this year’s NPL. #nepal #NPL #cricket #NepalCricket
