Floodlights. Camera. Action. NPL Season Two Begins

Introduction to the Nepal Premier League

The second season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is set to begin on Monday, with the defending champions Janakpur Bolts facing off against Kathmandu Gorkhas in the opening match. This event marks the start of what the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has dubbed the “Festival of Himalayas.” The tournament has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Nepali calendar, drawing millions of fans who eagerly anticipate the domestic T20 cricket competition.

Preparations for the Second Season

Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal, expressed confidence in the preparations for the second season. He stated that the team is all set to make this year’s tournament bigger and better than the inaugural one, which was historic. The CAN has completed most of its preparations, including renovations at the TU International Cricket Ground. These improvements include the construction of concrete parapets with seating for 10,000 fans and the installation of floodlights to allow for night matches.

The TU International Cricket Ground, which serves as the home of Nepali cricket, has undergone significant transformation in just eight months. The Janakpur vs Kathmandu fixture, scheduled to start at 4 pm, will not only inaugurate the second NPL but also mark the beginning of a new era for Nepali cricket. It will be the first match played under floodlights at the TU ground, with fans seated on proper parapets rather than grassy slopes.

Floodlight Readiness and Match Schedule

Paras Khadka, secretary at the CAN, addressed concerns about the readiness of the floodlights during a press meet. He assured that the technical team had confirmed the floodlights would be fully operational for the first match. The CAN has revealed fixtures for both day and night matches, with 23 out of 32 total matches being played under the lights. On Saturday night, all six floodlight pillars were successfully tested, illuminating the venue perfectly.

Financial Expectations and Revenue Streams

The CAN expects to earn around Rs400 million from the second season of the NPL. Padam Khadka, treasurer at the CAN, mentioned that sponsorship deals worth approximately Rs154 million have already been signed. Additionally, the CAN levied Rs90 million as renewal fees from the eight franchises, while the agreement for the tournament’s broadcast on an over-the-top (OTT) platform is valued at Rs53 million.

The CAN has stated that once the amount collected by the OTT platform through a Rs300-worth subscription crosses Rs53 million, profits will be shared, with the CAN receiving 71 percent. Clean feed will be available on the OTT platform alongside Star Sports, which will also broadcast the NPL for viewers outside Nepal. Another agreement for broadcast in Nepal-based television is expected to be worth at least Rs10 million.

Khadka also mentioned that ticket sales are projected to generate between Rs80 million to Rs120 million.

Proving Nepal is Back to Normal

The second NPL has not been entirely unaffected by the recent events of the Gen Z uprising in September. However, despite challenges faced by other sports in securing sponsorships, the CAN has managed to maintain financial stability. Khadka, a former Nepali national team captain, emphasized that the NPL aims to show the world that Nepal is back to normal.

The success of the second NPL could also play a crucial role in assuring the International Cricket Council (ICC) that Nepal can host the Global Qualifier for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The ICC has declared Nepal as the host for the event, with the two grounds of Mulpani serving as venues for the 21-day event starting on January 12, 2026.

Security Measures and Anti-Corruption Efforts

The CAN has ensured proper communication and coordination with security forces and government authorities to guarantee the safety of fans and players throughout the tournament. Several international cricket stars have been signed by the eight franchises, adding excitement to the competition.

Khadka highlighted the CAN’s commitment to mitigating risks related to match-fixing and betting. A police inspector has been deployed as a security liaison officer with each franchise, monitoring them 24/7. Daily reports are sent to the anti-corruption unit of the CAN and forwarded to the ICC.

Officers will also be stationed at the venue to prevent betting. Over 20 individuals were arrested during the Nepal vs UAE fixture in November 2022, and four Indian nationals were arrested during the inaugural NPL.

To avoid incidents like the stampede-like situation during the first NPL, where several fans were injured, Khadka urges fans without tickets to stay home and enjoy the games on digital platforms. He also encourages fans to use designated gates and try getting tickets on other match days.