- The third Nepal Premier League starts Monday in Kirtipur, featuring eight franchise teams in a month-long Twenty20 competition.
- Defending champions Lumbini Lions face Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.
- The Cricket Association of Nepal increased the winner's prize to Rs 1.5 crore, reflecting the tournament's growing commercial value.
- CAN projects the league will generate approximately Rs 1.5 billion in total economic activity across Nepal.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) begins on Monday, October 26, featuring an opening match between defending champions Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Eight franchise teams will feature in the month-long Twenty20 tournament running through November 21. On the eve of the tournament, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) announced a significant increase in the prize money, raising the champion's purse to Rs 1.5 crore—up from Rs 1 crore awarded in previous editions.
According to CAN, the runner-up will receive Rs 80 lakh, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will take home Rs 40 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, respectively.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, CAN Treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka noted that the enhanced prize pool reflects the growing commercial value of the league. CAN projects the tournament to generate around Rs 1.5 billion in total economic activity across Nepal, driven by organizational investments and franchise spending. CAN’s direct revenue and expenditure operations are expected to account for Rs 700 million to Rs 750 million.
The eight participating franchises for Season 3 are:
Lumbini Lions
Sudurpaschim Royals
Kathmandu Gurkhas
Biratnagar Kings
Pokhara Avengers
Janakpur Bolts
Chitwan Rhinos
Karnali Yaks
With setup and pitch preparation completed at Kirtipur, teams are geared up for the month of competitive cricket ahead.
