Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The combined business turnover of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and franchise teams is expected to reach Rs 1.5 billion during the third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) which kicks off in Kathmandu on Monday.
CAN Treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka shared the estimate at a news conference organized on the eve of the tournament’s inauguration on Sunday.
According to Khadka, CAN expects to generate Rs 700 million to Rs 750 million through the NPL, including sponsorships and ticket sales. Initial estimates suggest sponsorships alone will bring in around Rs 200 million, he said.
Franchise owners are also expected to spend substantial amounts on the tournament. Combining CAN’s expenditure and business turnover with that of the franchise teams, the total is expected to reach around Rs 1.5 billion over the monthlong competition, Khadka said.
CAN has also increased the prize money for the third edition. The winning team will receive Rs 15 million, while the runner-up will get Rs 8 million. The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 4 million and Rs 3 million, respectively.
Speaking at the press conference, CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand said the NPL was steadily establishing itself as a brand of Nepali cricket. “The participation of top players, support from sponsors and economic activity generated by the tournament have raised the league’s profile,” he said.
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said the association’s income was being used for activities involving district and provincial cricket bodies, national teams, age-group teams and women’s cricket.
“Organizing even a regular tournament can cost between Rs 7 million and Rs 10 million,” he said. “With the number of international and domestic tournaments expected to increase in the coming years, revenue generated by cricket must be reinvested in the sport’s development.”
The NPL features eight teams. Defending champions Lumbini Lions take on Sudurpaschim Royals in the inaugural match on Monday.
