Nepal Premier League to kick off today : big business houses investing millions of rupees

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 30: Starting today (Saturday) and running until January 20, Nepal will be buzzing with excitement as the inaugural season of the Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League (NPL) gets underway. This eagerly anticipated tournament is being hailed as a “cricket mega-war,” drawing cricket fans across the country. The atmosphere is further heightened by the arrival of Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan, who will be playing for Karnali Yaks, adding an extra layer of anticipation.

The matches will take place at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, and the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has deemed the NPL the largest domestic cricket event in Nepal's history. Over the next 20 days, eight teams will battle for supremacy.

Participating Teams:

The eight competing teams are Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpaschim Royals. The league is expected to significantly impact the country's economy, with active participation from the business sector.

Opening Match:

The opening match between Biratnagar Kings and Janakpur Bolts will take place at 12:15 PM today. Biratnagar Kings' marquee player, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Asif Sheikh from Janakpur Bolts are expected to be key players in the match.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for the opening match sold out by December 11, with prices set at NPR 300 for general admission and NPR 700 for VIP seats. The Kirtipur stadium has a capacity of about 12,000 spectators. Due to limited infrastructure, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka has urged fans who cannot attend to watch the match from home.

For the rest of the tournament, ticket prices are as follows: NPR 300–500 for general admission, NPR 500–1,000 for VIP tickets during the playoffs and finals. CAN aims to generate over NPR 60 million in ticket sales this season.

Franchise Investments:

The franchise costs have ranged from NPR 10 million to 35.7 million, with Pokhara Avengers making the highest investment. Teams spent between NPR 6.3 million and 8.4 million in player auctions, with CAN imposing budget caps to ensure fair competition. Foreign player contracts are categorized into Platinum, Gold, and Silver, with costs ranging from USD 5,000 to 50,000.

Sponsorships and Prize Pool:

While the official prize pool has yet to be announced, CAN has allocated NPR 20 million for prizes. The best Nepali player will be awarded an Omoda E5 car valued at NPR 6.2 million, thanks to a partnership with Omoda & JAC. Siddhartha Bank has signed a five-year sponsorship deal, while Ncell is also a sponsor.

Broadcast and Stadium Enhancements:

The matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and YouTube via Action Sports HD. Significant improvements have been made to the Kirtipur Cricket Ground, including a digital scoreboard, pitch renovations, expanded boundaries, and enhanced seating.

Match Schedule:

The league will feature 28 round-robin matches, followed by 4 playoff games, culminating in the final match on January 20, 2024. A total of 96 Nepali players and 39 foreign players are set to compete, ensuring a thrilling mix of local talent and international cricket stars.

The NPL promises to be a landmark event in Nepali cricket, showcasing both the country's emerging talent and some of the best international players.