Kirtipur (Kathmandu), Nov 17: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is taking place at the Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground from today onward. 

According to Chairperson of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Chatur Bahadur Chand, the opening of NPL tournament will be held at 2.00 pm today while first match will take place at 4.00 pm. 

In the NPL to be conducted up to coming December 13, a total of 32 matches including league stage, three play-off and final will be held. 

There will be 32 matches, including the finals, and since the Tribhuvan University cricket ground has been upgraded with parapets and floodlights, the second edition has become an additional source of excitement among cricket fans. 

In the opening match, the defending champion Janakpur Bolts will take on Kathmandu Gorkhas. 

This time, a parapet accommodating 10,000 audiences has been constructed in the stadium. With the floodlights in place, the matches will be conducted at night like in other international stadiums. 

It may be noted that the Ministry had handed over the initial phase structures to the Cricket Association of Nepal through the National Sports Council on Sunday evening before the beginning of NPL second edition. 

CAN informed that the winner of the tournament will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 11 million. Similarly, the runner-up team of the tournament will receive the cash award of Rs 5.1 million. Yhe team securing third place will receive Rs 2.5 million while the fourth-placed team will get Rs 1.5 million. 

All matches of the second NPL will be held at the Kirtipur cricket ground. 

Eight franchise teams, including defending champion Janakpur along with previous runner-up Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rginos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and Lumbini Lions are competing in the NPL. 

CAN is expected to earn Rs 400 million from the NPL this time, it is shared.  (RSS)