The Nepal Premier League (NPL), officially known as Siddhartha Bank NPL for sponsorship reasons, is a professional men’s Twenty20 cricket league in Nepal. Launched in 2024 by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the NPL aims to elevate cricket’s profile in the country, providing a competitive platform for local talent and attracting international players. The inaugural season, held from November 30 to December 21, 2024, was a resounding success, with Janakpur Bolts clinching the title. This article provides an in-depth look at the NPL, covering its history, structure, teams, players.
Table of Contents
History and Background
The NPL was established following the dissolution of the Nepal T20 League, which faced significant controversies in 2022, including allegations of match-fixing and payment disputes (Nepal Premier League – Wikipedia). The Nepal T20 League, organized in collaboration with Indian sports management company Seven3Sports, was marred by a delayed match between Kathmandu Knights and Biratnagar Super Kings on January 3, 2023, due to unpaid player salaries. These issues prompted CAN to reimagine the league, leading to the creation of the NPL in January 2024, shortly after Nepal’s qualification for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
The NPL was designed to be more transparent and professionally managed, with stricter regulations to prevent malpractices. The league’s launch was a strategic move to capitalize on the growing popularity of cricket in Nepal, inspired by successful T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The inaugural season was a significant step toward establishing a sustainable and reputable cricket league in the country.
Teams and Franchises
The NPL features eight franchise teams, each representing a major city or province in Nepal. These teams are:
| Team Name | **Representation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Kings | NPL | Represents the city of Biratnagar, known for its vibrant cricket fanbase. |
| Chitwan Rhinos | NPL | Based in Chitwan, a region with a growing sports culture. |
| Janakpur Bolts | NPL | Represents Janakpur, the 2024 NPL champions. |
| Karnali Yaks | NPL | Named after the Karnali region, known for its rugged terrain. |
| Kathmandu Gurkhas | NPL | Represents the capital city, Kathmandu, a hub for Nepali cricket. |
| Lumbini Lions | NPL | Based in the Lumbini region, a culturally significant area. |
| Pokhara Avengers | NPL | Represents Pokhara, the most expensive franchise at NPR 3,57,00,000. |
| Sudurpaschim Royals | NPL | Represents the far-western Sudurpaschim province. |
Franchise ownership was determined through an auction on September 5, 2024, raising a total of NPR 16,88,93,231 (2024 Nepal Premier League – Wikipedia). The Pokhara Avengers fetched the highest bid, reflecting strong investor interest in the league.
Players and Auctions
The 2024 NPL season featured a mix of local and international talent. Each team had a salary cap of NPR 90 lakh (approximately US$66,000) for domestic players, with up to six overseas players allowed per squad, four of whom could be in the starting eleven (2024 Nepal Premier League, according to Wikipedia). The player auction, held on October 6, 2024, was a highly anticipated event.
Eight marquee players were highlighted:
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Kushal Malla
- Aasif Sheikh
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Rohit Paudel
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Dipendra Singh Airee
International stars like Shikhar Dhawan (India), Martin Guptill (New Zealand), Bas De Leede (Netherlands), Ravi Bopara (England), and James Neesham (New Zealand) also participated, adding global appeal (NPL 2024: Schedule, Squad – Crictracker). The outstanding all-around performance of Dipendra Singh Airee earned him the title of Player of the Tournament (Nepal Premier League 2024 – Live Score).
Tournament Format
The NPL follows a single round-robin format, with each of the eight teams playing seven matches (28 league matches total). The playoffs are open to the top four teams, which include
- Qualifier 1: 1st vs. 2nd, with the winner advancing to the final.
- Eliminator: 3rd vs. 4th, with the loser eliminated.
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs. winner of Eliminator, with the winner advancing to the final.
- Final: Determines the champion.
The 2024 season was held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, with 32 matches (including playoffs) played over 22 days (Nepal Premier League 2024 Schedule – myKhel).
Key Matches and Results from the Season
The 2024 NPL season was filled with thrilling moments. Here are some highlights:
- Opening Match (November 30, 2024): Janakpur Bolts defeated Biratnagar Kings by 8 wickets, setting a strong tone (Nepal Premier League 2024/25 – ESPNcricinfo).
- Highest Individual Score: Kushal Malla (Janakpur Bolts) scored 102* off 54 balls against Sudurpaschim Royals.
- Best Bowling Figures: Sandeep Lamichhane (Kathmandu Gurkhas) took 18 wickets, with a best of 4/19.
- Notable Match: Biratnagar Kings tied with Pokhara Avengers on December 12, 2024, with Pokhara winning the Super Over by 13 runs (Nepal Premier League, 2024 Matches – Cricket.com).
- Finale, December 21, 2024: Kushal Malla was named Player of the Match for Janakpur Bolts, who scored 185/5 in 19.2 overs to defeat Sudurpaschim Royals by 5 wickets. ESPNcricinfo).
Impact on Nepali Cricket
The NPL has significantly boosted cricket’s popularity in Nepal, building on the national team’s 2024 T20 World Cup performance. It has provided young players with exposure to high-level competition and attracted international talent, enhancing the league’s credibility. The tournament’s success has also drawn significant fan engagement, with matches broadcast live on platforms like FanCode (Nepal Premier League, 2024 – FanCode).
However, the league must address the legacy of the 2022 Nepal T20 League’s controversies, including match-fixing allegations and payment disputes, to maintain trust. CAN’s efforts to implement stricter regulations in 2024 were a positive step, but ongoing transparency will be crucial.
Future Prospects and the Season
As of April 21, 2025, no official schedule or details for the 2025 NPL season have been announced. Given the NPL’s designation as an annual event, a second season is likely, potentially in November–December 2025, following the 2024 precedent (Nepal Premier League – Wikipedia). The Cricket Association of Nepal has released a 2025 calendar, but it lacks specific NPL details (Nepal Premier League 2024 – Live Score).
Future seasons may see
- Expansion: Increasing the number of teams or matches to broaden the league’s reach.
- Enhanced Regulations: Further measures to ensure transparency and prevent controversies.
- International Growth: Attracting more global players to elevate the league’s profile.
- Infrastructure Development: Potential use of additional venues beyond Kirtipur to accommodate growing fan interest.
Stakeholders should monitor CAN’s official website (Cricket Association of Nepal) and platforms like ESPNcricinfo for updates on the 2025 season.
Conclusion
The Nepal Premier League has emerged as a transformative force in Nepali cricket, offering a platform for local talent and international stars to shine. The 2024 season’s success, culminating in Janakpur Bolts’ victory, has set a strong foundation for future growth. While the 2025 season’s details remain pending, the NPL’s annual status suggests another exciting tournament is on the horizon. By addressing past challenges and building on its inaugural achievements, the NPL is poised to become a cornerstone of Nepal’s sporting landscape, fostering talent and captivating fans.
Key Citations
- Nepal Premier League Overview – Wikipedia
- 2024 Nepal Premier League Details – Wikipedia
- Nepal Premier League 2024/25 Schedule and Results – ESPNcricinfo
- Nepal Premier League 2024 Schedule and Squads – myKhel
- Nepal Premier League 2024 Matches and Results – Cricket.com
- Nepal Premier League 2024 Live Score and News – Nepal Premier League
- Cricket Association of Nepal Official NPL Page
- Nepal Premier League 2024 Live on FanCode
- NPL 2024 Schedule, Squads, and Broadcasting – Crictracker
- Nepal Premier League 2024/25 Live Score and Updates – ESPNcricinfo
- Nepal Premier League 2024 Teams and Squads – Cricket World
- NPL 2024 Fixtures, Results, and Points Table – Sporting News
FAQS
What is the Nepal Premier League (NPL)?
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is Nepal’s top-tier professional men’s Twenty20 cricket league, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). It features eight franchise teams representing major cities or provinces, showcasing both local and international cricket talent. The inaugural season ran from November 30 to December 21, 2024.
Which teams participate in the NPL 2024?
The 2024 NPL includes eight teams: Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, and Sudurpaschim Royals. Each team can have up to six overseas players, with a maximum of four in the playing XI.
What is the format of the NPL 2024 tournament?
The NPL follows a single round-robin format during the league stage, where each team plays seven matches. The top four teams advance to the playoffs, which include Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final, similar to the Indian Premier League. The 2024 final was won by Janakpur Bolts.
