Nepal Premier League (NPL)
In the realm of T20 competitions, the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has become a promising cricket tournament that brings together domestic and overseas players in Nepal’s vibrant cricketing atmosphere. Even though it is still relatively new, the NPL has already made a strong impression on the Asian cricket scene by giving rising and experienced cricketers a competitive platform outside the spotlight of bigger leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) or Big Bash League (BBL).
Building on that foundation, the league’s latest edition, played from November 17th 2025 to December 13th 2025, saw the Lumbini Lions emerge as the new champions, claiming their first NPL title with a commanding 6-wicket win over the Sudurpaschim Royals in the final at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Introduction
The Nepal Premier League is Nepal’s flagship franchise T20 competition, built around eight city-based teams and a format that mirrors the fast, high-energy rhythm of modern cricket. Introduced in 2024, the league quickly carved out its own identity through a compact schedule, a clear round-robin structure, and a playoff system that keeps the season tight and competitive. All matches are staged at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, a venue that has become synonymous with the NPL’s atmosphere, from packed evening games under lights to the familiar rhythm of local fan culture. The tournament blends Nepali talent with overseas professionals, creating a mix that has helped the league gain visibility across South Asia and among Nepali communities abroad.
Beyond the cricket itself, the NPL reflects the growing ambition of Nepal’s sporting ecosystem. Franchise ownership, structured auctions, and rising player valuations have introduced a commercial layer that aligns with global T20 trends, while broadcast partnerships ensure wide accessibility across television and digital platforms. The league’s scheduling window late in the year gives it a distinct place on the domestic cricket calendar, giving fans a dedicated period to follow their teams. Cultural elements also play a role, with regional identities shaping fan bases and certain franchises embracing social themes that resonate with Nepali audiences. As a whole, the NPL presents a streamlined, modern competition that fits neatly into the evolving cricket landscape of the region.
The league’s early seasons have already produced defining moments, from breakthrough domestic performers to international names adding depth and experience. With a stable eight-team structure and a consistent venue, the NPL has built a foundation that supports both competitive cricket and long-term growth. Coverage of the tournament can be explored through team narratives, season milestones, match developments, and the broader evolution of Nepal’s T20 circuit, giving readers a clear view of how the competition continues to develop.
Readers who prefer to explore the same content in Hindi can find a parallel version of this section within the article (नेपाल प्रीमियर लीग (NPL) हिंदी समीक्षा), offering a smoother experience for those who enjoy following cricket stories in that language while keeping all essential details intact.
Current Season
The Nepal Premier League 2026 runs from October 26 to November 21, 2026, featuring 32 matches among eight franchise teams at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. All fixtures, including the four-match playoff phase, are scheduled at the same venue.
The 2026 edition of the Nepal Premier League arrives with a slightly earlier window than previous seasons, shifting to a late-October start and wrapping up before the end of November. The league retains its eight-team structure, with defending champions Lumbini Lions opening the season against Sudurpaschim Royals on October 26. The full fixture list confirms 28 league matches followed by Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Finale on November 21, making it a compact 32-match season. All games are scheduled at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, continuing the tournament’s preference for a single-venue format.
Earlier editions were held deeper into Mangsir, after Tihar, but the 2026 season moves forward by nearly three weeks. This adjustment aligns the league more comfortably within Nepal’s domestic calendar and avoids clashes with other regional cricket commitments. Match timings follow a consistent pattern: single-header days begin at 4:30 PM NPT, while double-headers feature afternoon games at 12:30 PM and evening fixtures at 4:30 PM. For Indian viewers, times will be at 12:15 PM and 4:15 PM IST, keeping the broadcast window familiar and accessible.
Broadcast plans for the season are confirmed, with Himalaya Television carrying live coverage within Nepal and NetTV providing global streaming access. Digital match passes are available through eSewa, continuing the league’s push toward streamlined ticketing. This combination has helped the NPL build a steady international footprint, especially among Nepali fans abroad.
Previous season's confirmed payouts - NPR 11 million for champions and NPR 5.1 million for runners-up (~ INR 6.9 million and INR 3.2 million) - provide a useful benchmark for the league's financial structure. The 2025 season also awarded NPR 2.5 million to the third-placed team and NPR 1.5 million to the fourth-placed team.
The cultural flavour of the NPL remains one of its strongest assets. Kirtipur’s TU Ground has developed a reputation for lively crowds, rhythmic dhol beats, and a distinct mix of local cricket culture that blends Kathmandu Valley energy with franchise-driven fan identities. Teams like Pokhara Avengers have previously embraced unique social messaging, and while 2026 franchise campaigns are yet to be fully revealed, the league’s growing commercial maturity suggests a more polished presentation across kits, promotions, and match-day experiences. With eight stable franchises, a confirmed fixture list, and a broadcast ecosystem that continues to expand, the 2026 NPL season arrives as another important chapter in Nepal’s fast-rising cricket journey.
Ongoing October 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
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ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | LIVE |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | LIVE |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Winners vs ROI FC | October 1–4, 2026 | LIVE |
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Irani Cup FC | October 1–5, 2026 | LIVE |
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National Cricket League (NCL) FC | October 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026 | |
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Vinoo Mankad Trophy List A | October 8–27, 2026 | |
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Tour | October 9, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Trophy T20 | October 9–26, 2026 | |
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Ranji Trophy FC | October 11, 2026 – March 3, 2027 | |
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Col CK Nayudu Trophy Multi-Day | October 12, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | |
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India vs New Zealand Tour | October 22, 2026 – December 1, 2026 | |
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Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Senior Women's T20 Trophy T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 | |
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Bangladesh vs West Indies Test | October 28, 2026 – November 9, 2026 | |
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Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) T20 | October 29, 2026 – December 5, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Challenger Trophy T20 | October 30, 2026 – November 5, 2026 |
Ongoing October 2026 Events
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ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Test | June 17, 2025 – June 13, 2027 | LIVE |
|
ICC Women's Championship ODI | February 20, 2026 – April 15, 2029 | LIVE |
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Minor League Cricket (MiLC) T20 | September 17, 2026 – October 25, 2026 | LIVE |
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Cricket at the Asian Games T20I | September 17, 2026 – October 3, 2026 | LIVE |
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South Africa vs Australia Tour | September 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | LIVE |
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Col CK Nayudu Winners vs ROI FC | October 1–4, 2026 | LIVE |
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Irani Cup FC | October 1–5, 2026 | LIVE |
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National Cricket League (NCL) FC | October 3, 2026 – November 17, 2026 | |
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Vinoo Mankad Trophy List A | October 8–27, 2026 | |
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Tour | October 9, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Trophy T20 | October 9–26, 2026 | |
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Ranji Trophy FC | October 11, 2026 – March 3, 2027 | |
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Col CK Nayudu Trophy Multi-Day | October 12, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | |
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India vs New Zealand Tour | October 22, 2026 – December 1, 2026 | |
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Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 21, 2026 | |
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Senior Women's T20 Trophy T20 | October 26, 2026 – November 20, 2026 | |
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Bangladesh vs West Indies Test | October 28, 2026 – November 9, 2026 | |
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Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) T20 | October 29, 2026 – December 5, 2026 | |
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Women's U19 T20 Challenger Trophy T20 | October 30, 2026 – November 5, 2026 |
Previous Seasons
The Nepal Premier League began in 2024 as Nepal’s first fully franchise‑based T20 competition, featuring eight city and province teams in a round‑robin format followed by playoffs. The league quickly built a distinct identity around its single‑venue model at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, a strong domestic core, and a growing pool of overseas professionals. Across its early editions, the NPL established itself as a competitive and culturally vibrant tournament, with balanced contests, rising commercial interest, and a clear place in Nepal’s cricket calendar.
Past Nepal Premier League (NPL) Editions
- 2025 Season
The 2025‑2026 Nepal Premier League took place from 17 November to 13 December 2025, featuring eight franchises and a total of 32 matches. The season followed a single round‑robin league stage, after which the top four teams advanced to an IPL‑style playoff. All fixtures were held at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, continuing the league’s centralized venue approach. Lumbini Lions claimed their maiden title by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by 6 wickets in the final.
The season drew attention for its mix of Nepali talent and overseas names such as Faf du Plessis, Martin Guptill, Dawid Malan, Chris Lynn, and D’Arcy Short. The August 2025 auction registered 458 players, with 37 sold, and several domestic players reached the top bracket at NPR 15 lakh. Ruben Trumpelmann was named Player of the Series, Adam Rossington topped the run charts with 323 runs, and Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla, and Abinash Bohara finished as joint highest wicket‑takers with 17 each. These elements contributed to a season that blended competitive cricket with rising commercial and cultural traction.
- 2024 Season (Inaugural Season)
The inaugural 2024‑2025 Nepal Premier League was held from 30 November to 21 December 2024, marking the debut of Nepal’s franchise T20 ecosystem. The tournament featured eight teams and a full 32‑match schedule, all staged at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Janakpur Bolts won the first title, defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by 5 wickets in the final. Lahiru Milantha’s 87 off 49 balls earned him the Player of the Match award, while Saif Zaib was named Player of the Tournament.
The inaugural auction in late 2024 set the commercial foundation for the league, with Pokhara emerging as the most expensive franchise and domestic salary caps reaching NPR 90 lakh. The season featured several marquee Nepali players, including Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Malla, Aasif Sheikh, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Dipendra Singh Airee. International names such as Shikhar Dhawan, James Neesham, Martin Guptill, and Ravi Bopara added global visibility. The 2024 edition established the league’s competitive structure, franchise culture, and early commercial benchmarks.
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Final Result | Event / Final Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lumbini Lions | Sudurpaschim Royals | Lumbini Lions won by 6 wickets | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| 2024 | Janakpur Bolts | Sudurpaschim Royals | Janakpur Bolts won by 5 wickets | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
History and Structure
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has sought to establish a strong, long-lasting, and internationally recognized T20 tournament, with the Nepal Premier League emerging as its flagship franchise competition. CAN included the Nepal Premier League in its 2024 annual cricket calendar, with the inaugural season scheduled for November-December. The tournament followed the Nepal T20 League, which was held from December 2022 to January 2023, and came as Nepal prepared for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. The new competition was designed to give Nepali players a consistent domestic platform while raising the profile of T20 cricket in the country.
High-octane excitement and competitive balance are built into the Nepal Premier League's format. The league featured eight franchise teams in its inaugural 2024 season, each representing a different city or province:
- Biratnagar Kings
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Janakpur Bolts
- Karnali Yaks
- Kathmandu Gurkhas
- Lumbini Lions
- Pokhara Avengers
- Sudurpaschim Royals
These teams use a structured auction and player-selection system to build their squads. Domestic players are classified into grades (A, B, and C) with corresponding base prices, while each team has a set purse for the domestic auction. This approach gives franchises a defined framework for squad building and player recruitment. Another distinctive feature is the league's foreign-player system, with teams permitted to sign foreign players through a separate process and required to include an associate-nation player among their overseas selections.
All eight teams face one another in a round-robin league stage to start the NPL competition format. This gives each team seven league matches to establish its position in the standings. The top four teams then advance to a playoff phase consisting of a Qualifier 1 between the top two teams, an Eliminator between the third- and fourth-placed teams, and a Qualifier 2 between the loser of Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator. The winner of Qualifier 2 then advances to the Grand Final alongside the winner of Qualifier 1, creating a clear route from the league stage to the title.
Significant prize money is given to the winners, runners-up, and even the third and fourth-place teams, adding further value to strong performances throughout the competition. To attract players and important investment, the NPL's administrative structure, overseen by CAN, is designed to provide a transparent and professional environment. Its combination of a compact league stage, franchise teams, and a structured playoff system has helped establish the NPL as an important part of Nepal's domestic cricket calendar.
The Long Way to Nepal Premier League (NPL)
Although the Nepal Premier League officially began in 2024, it emerged from a longer history of franchise T20 cricket in Nepal. The Everest Premier League (EPL) was one of the country's most prominent franchise competitions before the NPL. Founded in 2016, the EPL provided an early platform for city-based teams and featured both Nepali and overseas cricketers across several editions.
Different teams won the title during the EPL's successful seasons. Panchakanya Tej (2016), Biratnagar Warriors (2017), Lalitpur Patriots (2018), and Chitwan Tigers (2021) were among the notable champions. These competitions gave Nepali players exposure to franchise cricket and helped build experience in organizing and staging major domestic T20 events. The EPL therefore forms part of the broader background to the development of franchise cricket that preceded the NPL.
While the Nepal Premier League follows earlier competitions such as the EPL and Nepal T20 League, it is a new franchise league operated under the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). The NPL aims to serve as the country's premier men's T20 cricket competition, giving Nepal a structured domestic tournament with eight franchise teams and a defined league and playoff system. Its launch in 2024 marked a new chapter in Nepal's professional T20 cricket, while the earlier leagues provide important historical context for its development.
Final Thoughts
The Nepal Premier League has quickly become one of the most defining elements of Nepal’s cricketing rise, blending a franchise structure with a strong domestic core and a growing international presence. Its compact format, eight-team lineup, and home base at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground have created a clear identity that fans can recognize instantly. With player auctions, broadcast coverage, and a calendar slot that fits neatly into the late-year cricket window, the league has built a foundation that feels both stable and ambitious.
Across its seasons, the NPL has showcased the depth of Nepali cricket, giving emerging players a stage alongside experienced international names. The mix of regional fan culture, franchise storytelling, and competitive balance has helped the tournament grow beyond simple match results, turning it into a platform that reflects Nepal’s sporting aspirations. Improved match presentation and the involvement of international players have further strengthened the league’s profile, positioning it as a developing force within the South Asian T20 landscape.
What stands out most is how naturally the NPL has integrated into the cricketing rhythm of the region. It offers a familiar T20 experience while retaining a distinctly Nepali flavour, from the energy in Kirtipur to the evolving franchise identities. As the league continues to mature, its role in shaping Nepal’s cricket future will only deepen, giving fans a tournament that is competitive, culturally rich, and consistently engaging.
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