Preparations for NPL Season 2 completed, says CAN

KATHMANDU: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, will begin on Monday.

The opening match, scheduled for 4 pm at the TU Cricket Grounds in Kirtipur, will see defending champions Janakpur Bolts take on Kathmandu Gorkhas.

All matches of the second season of the NPL will be played at the TU Ground in Kirtipur which now boasts added facilities like parapets and floodlights.

According to the Cricket Association of Nepal, the league will feature nine daytime matches and 23 day–night fixtures. A total of 28 matches will be played in the league stage. Similarly, the NPL features three matches in the play-offs and the final.

Eight city-based franchises – Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals – competed in the NPL.

CAN has announced that all preparations for the event have been completed. All six floodlights installed at the TU Ground for day–night matches are now fully operational. The association is expecting a revenue of around Rs 300 million to Rs 400 million from sponsorships, ticket sales, and other sources. Of this, ticket sales alone are projected to bring in a minimum of Rs 80 million and up to Rs 120 million.

Although the TU International Cricket Ground can seat 10,000 people, CAN has authorized its ticketing partner, Khalti, to sell only 8,000 tickets.