Kirtipur (Kathmandu). The second edition of the National Premier League (NPL) begins today at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
According to Chatur Bahadur Chand, Chairperson of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament’s opening ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm, followed by the first match at 4:00 pm.
The NPL, which will continue until December 13, will feature a total of 32 matches, including the league stage, three play-offs, and the final. With recent upgrades to the Tribhuvan University cricket ground, including new parapets and floodlights, the tournament promises an added level of excitement for cricket fans.
In the opening match, defending champions Janakpur Bolts will face Kathmandu Gurkhas. The stadium now has a parapet that can accommodate 10,000 spectators, and with floodlights in place, matches can be played at night, similar to international standards.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports handed over the newly constructed facilities to the Cricket Association of Nepal through the National Sports Council on Sunday evening ahead of the tournament.
CAN announced that the tournament winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 11 million, the runner-up will get Rs 5.1 million, the third-placed team will earn Rs 2.5 million, and the fourth-placed team will receive Rs 1.5 million.
All matches of the second NPL will be held at the Kirtipur cricket ground. Eight franchise teams, including defending champions Janakpur Bolts, previous runner-up Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and Lumbini Lions, are competing in this edition.
CAN expects to generate Rs 400 million from the tournament this year.
