Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: More than 150 players will go under the hammer in the auction for Season 3 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) scheduled for Monday.
According to the NPL, five players, including national team opener Aasif Sheikh, have been placed in Category ‘A’.
Sheikh was released by Janakpur Bolts ahead of the new season. The other top-tier players available in this category are Arjun Gharti, Bibek Kumar Yadav, Rupesh Kumar Singh and Trit Raj Das.
In addition, clubs will be able to choose from a pool of 27 players in Category ‘B’ and over 120 players in Category ‘C’.
Foreign players are not included in the auction list, as franchises are allowed to sign them through direct negotiations.
Among the eight teams, Janakpur Bolts have the largest purse at Rs 6.62 million. On the other hand, Kathmandu Gorkhas have the smallest budget of Rs 3.4 million to spend.
Similarly, Biratnagar Kings have Rs 5.15 million available, followed by Lumbini Lions (Rs 4.92 million), Pokhara Avengers (Rs 4.55 million), Sudurpashchim Royals (Rs 4.25 million), and Karnali Yaks and Chitwan Rhinos, who have Rs 4.2 million each.
Although the dates for Season 3 of the NPL have yet to be finalized, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has set aside an October–November window for the franchise league in its 2026 domestic calendar.
