Kathmandu: Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, is set to commence at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur this Saturday. Janakpur Bolts will face Biratnagar Kings in the inaugural match starting at 12:15 PM.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the tournament is being organized under the aegis of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the governing body of cricket in the country. A total of eight teams, including Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpaschim Royals, are participating in this year’s league.
In preparation for the tournament, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli unveiled the NPL trophy at the Dharahara complex in Sundhara, Kathmandu, with representatives from all eight teams present. The event took place last Monday and set the stage for what is expected to be a thrilling series of matches.
The tournament will be broadcast live by Star Sports, featuring commentary from renowned
foreign cricket commentators. This year’s league permits each team to include up to four foreign players in their playing XI, with the option to have a total of six foreign players on their roster.
Teams have enlisted several international cricket stars, including Shikhar Dhawan from India, Jimmy Neesham and Martin Guptill from New Zealand, Mohsin Khan from Pakistan, Brandon McMullen from Scotland, Tom Moores from England, Marchant de Lange from South Africa, and Raymon Reifer from the West Indies, adding to the competitive spirit of the league.