Karnali, Sudurpashchim franchises unveil team name, logo

KATHMANDU: Nepal Premier League (NPL) franchises have begun unveiling their names and logos. Two NPL franchises – Karnali and Suduprashchim – unveiled their team names and logos amid a ceremony on Monday.

The Karnali franchise has announced that the team’s name will be ‘Karnali Yaks’. “A true symbol of the Karnali region, the yak represents adaptability, strength and resilience. Our players are willing to face all the challenges on the field, much like these amazing animals that flourish in the amazing natural mountains and adverse weather,” the franchise said in a social media post.

The team’s logo features a charging yak in the foreground of snow-capped mountains.  The team’s slogan is #YakAttack.

The Karnali franchise is owned by Himalayan Builders and Engineers Pvt Ltd and features national team pacer Sompal Kami as the marquee player.

Likewise, the Sudurpashchim franchise has branded itself ‘Sudurpashchim Royals’. “The Sudurpaschim Royals represent the pride and spirit of the region, with a vision to significantly impact the tournament, both on and off the field,” the franchise said while unveiling the team identity. The franchise’s logo features a Royal Bengal tiger wearing a crown and holding a cricket ball in his limbs.

The Sudurpashchim franchise is owned by Empire Sports Management Pvt Ltd, while national team allrounder Dipendra Singh Airee is the team’s marquee player.

Cricket Association Nepal (CAN) is organizing the NPL, which will feature eight teams, from November 30 to December 21. Biratnagar, Janakpur, Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Pokhara and Lumbini are the other teams participating in the NPL. The Janakpur franchise has branded itself as ‘Janakapur Bolts’, while the Pokhara franchise has selected ‘Pokahra Avengers’ as its brand identity.

Meanwhile, CAN is holding a players’ auction for the inaugural NPL on October 6. Players will be classified into A, B, and C grades for the auction. According to CAN, foreign players will be directly contracted by the teams.