The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) began on Monday at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma opened the tournament, wishing the participating teams, commentators, organisers and the Nepal Cricket Association (NCA) success. He noted that the NPL has quickly become Nepal’s most prominent sporting event. The league features eight franchise teams: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gorakhaj, Chitwan Rhinoceroses, Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks. The competition is officially recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has attracted international attention and the participation of well‑known overseas players. The event is scheduled to run until 5 March. Prize money has been increased for this edition. The champions will receive 1.5 crore rupees, the runners‑up 80 lakh rupees, third place 40 lakh and fourth place 30 lakh. The NPL is seen as a platform that can raise the standard of domestic cricket, provide a professional arena for young players and facilitate experience sharing with international cricketers. Security arrangements for the tournament are extensive. The Nepal Police deployed 124 personnel, while the armed police contributed over 300 uniformed officers and an additional number of plainclothes officers. Measures include crowd control, entry checks, player transport monitoring and emergency response protocols. The NPL’s growth reflects a broader surge in cricket’s popularity in Nepal, with increasing commercial opportunities for players and fans alike. However, experts point out that sustaining this momentum will require significant investment in infrastructure. Current facilities at Tribhuvan University and other venues lack modern technology and adequate capacity. Proposed developments in cities such as Bhairahawa, Pokhara and Chitwan include new stadiums, floodlights for night matches, advanced drainage systems and digital technology. To build a robust cricket ecosystem, stakeholders emphasise the need for grassroots development. Regular school and municipal competitions, nationwide under‑16 and under‑19 tournaments, and transparent, well‑managed governance by the NCA are considered essential. The government and private sector are urged to collaborate on long‑term plans that also support women’s cricket.
Article source: Gorkhapatra National Daily | Image credit: Gorkhapatra National Daily