Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Defending champions Janakpur Bolts will face Kathmandu Gorkhas in the inaugural match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season under lights at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on November 17.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced the fixtures of the franchise-based T20 league on Monday evening.
The playoffs will begin with Qualifier 1 on December 9, followed by the Eliminator on December 10, Qualifier 2 on December 11, and the final at 3:30 pm on December 13. All playoff matches, including the qualifiers, the eliminator, and the final, will be played under lights.
The NPL features eight teams: Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpashchim Royals.
During the league stage, each team will play every other team once. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs. In the playoff format, the first and second-placed teams face off in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 will play the winner of the Eliminator, which is contested between the third and fourth-placed teams, to determine the second finalist.
