SATV, Kathmandu Oct.8- The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is currently in full preparation mode for the upcoming third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
As the tournament draws closer, CAN is hopeful of securing official sanctioning from the International Cricket Council (ICC). All required documentation requested by the governing body has already been submitted, and CAN is now awaiting the final verdict, according to CAN Secretary Paras Khadka.
"Franchises are actively negotiating to bring in top-tier talent. However, while players are currently being engaged, official announcements can only be made once the formal ICC sanctioning is received," Khadka stated. "Most teams are in a wait-and-watch mode right now. We hope to receive positive news as quickly as possible."
Secretary Khadka emphasized that official ICC approval will streamline the recruitment of higher-profile international players from Test-playing nations, elevating the tournament's competitive standard and significantly boosting Nepali cricket's global exposure.
Franchises Eager for Green Light
NPL franchises share CAN’s anticipation. Teams noted that the pending decision has created minor delays in finalizing their overseas player rosters.
Niroj Khatiwada, CEO of the Janakpur Bolts franchise, expressed confidence in a swift resolution. "We hope the ICC grants international recognition to the NPL soon. That will make it significantly easier for us to secure additional international stars as needed," Khatiwada said.
This season’s NPL is expected to attract major international stars, including David Warner, Moeen Ali, Sikandar Raza, and Iftikhar Ahmed. CAN expects their presence to project the NPL into the international spotlight.
Leveraging NPL for Sports Tourism
Beyond cricket, CAN aims to utilize the tournament to drive sports tourism and strengthen Nepal’s global image.
Highlighting past experiences, Khadka noted that international athletes and officials have consistently returned home with positive impressions of Nepal. "In previous instances, around 55 to 60 international players, along with umpires and commentators—totaling 60 to 70 foreign delegates—visited Nepal and returned with very pleasant memories," Khadka shared.
He added that world-class athletes acting as global ambassadors helps position Nepal as a safe and attractive destination. "Sports tourism is a concept that the Nepal Premier League and Nepal cricket have championed from the beginning. When world-class players visit, they talk about Nepal in the international community, which directly benefits our national economy and tourism," Khadka explained.
"We want to deliver a clear message to the international community: Nepal is safe, Nepal is secure. Through this tournament, we aim to show that Nepal is ready and moving forward."
Tournament Schedule and Teams
The third edition of the NPL will feature eight teams competing at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Kartik 9, culminating in the final match on Mangsir 5. The opening fixture will feature a high-stakes rematch between defending champions Lumbini Lions and runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals.
