Nepal Premier League
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Short description|Professional T20 cricket league in Nepal}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox cricket tournament main
| name = Nepal Premier League
| image = Nepal Premier League official logo.png
| caption = {{ubl|Festival of Himalayas}}
| image_size =
| country = Nepal
| administrator = Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)
| headquarters = Kathmandu, Nepal
| cricket format = Twenty20
| first = 2024
| last =
| next =
| current =
| tournament format = Round-robin and playoffs
| participants = 8
| champions = Janakpur Bolts
(1st title)
| trophy holder = Janakpur Bolts
| most successful = Janakpur Bolts
(1 title)
| qualification =
| most runs = Lahiru Milantha (293 runs)
| most wickets = Scott Kuggeleijn (17)
Lalit Rajbanshi (17)
| TV =Nepal
Star Sports (TV) {{Cite web |title=CAN grants Star Sports the right to broadcast Nepal Premier League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2024/11/15/can-grants-star-sports-the-right-to-broadcast-nepal-premier-league |access-date=15 November 2024 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}}
DishHome Go (OTT)
Action Sports HD (Internet) {{Cite web |title=Action Sports To Broadcast NPL on YouTube|url=https://thesportsy.com/cricket/npl/action-sports-to-broadcast-npl-on-youtube/|website=thesportsy.com |date=26 November 2024 |language=English}}
International
| website = {{url|https://nepalpremierleague.com.np/|nepalpremierleague.com.np}}
}}
{{Season sidebar
|image =
|caption =
|title = Seasons
|list =
}}
The Nepal Premier League, officially known as Siddhartha Bank NPL for sponsorship reasons, is a men's Twenty20 cricket league held annually in Nepal.{{cite web |title=Siddhartha Bank title-sponsored Nepal Premier League live on Star Sports |url=https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/52038 |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=GorakhaPatra}}{{cite web |title=Siddhartha Bank named title sponsor of Nepal Premier League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/11/16/siddhartha-bank-named-title-sponsor-of-nepal-premier-league |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}} Founded by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) in 2024, the league features eight provinces/cities-based franchise teams.{{cite web |title=Eight teams announced for Nepal Premier League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/10/02/can-planning-to-develop-npl-into-a-global-premier-event |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}}{{cite web |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/11/29/npl-poised-to-herald-a-new-era-in-nepali-cricket |title=NPL poised to herald a new era in Nepali cricket |work=The Kathmandu Post |access-date=29 November 2024}} The inaugural season was held during the 2024 season.{{cite web |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/can-unveils-annual-sports-calendar-for-2024/ |title=CAN unveils annual sports calendar for 2024 |work=MyRepublica |date=8 August 2024 |access-date=9 August 2024}} The tournament used a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the playoffs.
History
=Failure of Nepal T20 League=
In 2022, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) organized the Nepal T20 League after signing an रु. 330 million agreement with Indian sports management company Seven3Sports for a year to hold a franchise Twenty20 league tournament in Nepal. However, the league was surrounded by many conflicts and allegations such as match-fixing and corruption.{{cite web |title=Nepal T20 League: CIB says 3 Nepali, 4 foreign players involved in spot-fixing |date=8 January 2023 |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepal-t20-league-cib-fixing.html |access-date=29 August 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepal-t20-league-icc-team-inspect.html |title=Nepal T20 League: ICC team inspects spot-fixing allegations and returns |work=Onlinekhabar |date=6 January 2023 |access-date=29 August 2024}}
The match between Kathmandu Knights and Biratnagar Super Kings on 3 January 2023 was delayed by two hours after players refused to take the field after failing to get their payments.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/delay-in-biratnagar-vs-kathmandu-match-after-a-protest-from-players |title=Delay in Biratnagar vs Kathmandu match after a protest from players |work=Cricnepal |date=3 January 2023 |access-date=12 July 2025}} The players were contracted to get 40% of their payments before the start of the tournament and the remaining 60% during the tournament. Only players from Pokhara Avengers and Lumbini All Stars had been paid 50% of their contracted amount while the rest of the players had not been paid yet. The game resumed after Cricket Association Nepal officials assured the players of their payments.{{Cite web |title=Match-fixing, pay issues rock Nepal T20 League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2023/01/04/match-fixing-pay-issues-rock-nepal-t20-league |access-date=10 January 2023 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}} After that, Kathmandu Knights captain Gyanendra Malla revealed on 4 January 2023 that one of his teammates had been approached for match-fixing.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}} The incident was reported to ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit following which a team was sent to Nepal to investigate the claims.{{Cite web |date=6 January 2023 |title=Nepal T20 League: ICC team inspects spot-fixing allegations and returns |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepal-t20-league-icc-team-inspect.html |access-date=10 January 2023 |language=en-GB}} The Central Investigation Bureau also formed specialized teams to look into the incidents.{{Cite web |title=CAN comes up with contradictory statement on fixing |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2023/01/04/can-comes-up-with-contradictory-statement-on-fixing |access-date=10 January 2023 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}} The Bureau in its preliminary investigation revealed that it was keeping a close watch on three Nepali players and four foreign players on accusations of spot-fixing. The investigation also found evidence that Seven3Sports, the sports management company organizing the event, was involved in the incidents.{{Cite web |date=8 January 2023 |title=Nepal T20 League: CIB says 3 Nepali, 4 foreign players involved in spot-fixing |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepal-t20-league-cib-fixing.html |access-date=10 January 2023 |language=en-GB}} This leads to shutdown of the league. {{Cite web |date=8 January 2023 |title=Police investigation reveals 10 people were involved in spot-fixing in Nepal T-20 League |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/police-investigation-reveals-10-people-were-involved-in-spot-fixing-in-nepal-t-20-league |access-date=10 January 2023 |language=en-GB}}
=Foundation=
After the shutdown of the Nepal T20 League and the qualification of the Nepal national cricket team for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, On January 2024, the Cricket Association of Nepal announced the creation of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), scheduled for November and December.{{cite web |title=CAN to organize Nepal Premier League in November and December|url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/07/06/can-to-organise-nepal-premier-league-in-november-and-december |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=The Kathmandu Post |language=en-US}} On 2 August 2024, CAN invited proposals for franchise ownership.{{cite web |title=CAN issues RFP for Nepal Premier League franchise ownership |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/can-issues-rfp-for-nepal-premier-league-franchise-ownership |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=Cricnepal|date=2 August 2024 }}{{cite web |title=Request for Proposal (RFP) for Franchise Ownership |url=https://cricketnepal.org.np/press_release/request-for-proposal-rfp-for-franchise-ownership/ |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)}} The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that the 2024 Nepal Premier League (NPL) will feature eight teams, each representing major cities across Nepal.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/nepal-premier-league-to-feature-eight-teams |title=Nepal Premier League to feature eight teams |work=Cricnepal |date=29 August 2024 |access-date=30 August 2024}} This marks a significant expansion from previous leagues like the Everest Premier League and Nepal T20 League, which included only six teams.{{cite web |url=https://english.khabarhub.com/2024/31/392030/ |title=CAN announces eight franchises for Nepal Premier League |work=Khabarhub |access-date=31 August 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/can-reveals-eight-team-names-for-nepal-premier-league |title=CAN reveals eight team names for Nepal Premier League |work=Cricnepal |date=31 August 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024}}
To determine team ownership, an auction for the franchises was held on 5 September 2024. CAN sold the eight franchise teams for the Nepal Premier League (NPL) through a bidding process at रु. 16,88,93,231.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/franchise-auction-confirms-owners-for-all-eight-teams-in-nepal-premier-league |title=Franchise auction confirms owners for all eight teams in Nepal Premier League |work=Cricnepal |date=5 September 2024 |access-date=11 September 2024}} The team representing Pokhara was bought with the highest price of रु. 3,57,00,000 by Nepal T-Twenty Cricket Pvt. Ltd., followed by the team representing Kathmandu at रु. 3,33,33,339 by Kantipur Publications, while the team representing Karnali was bought at a lowest bid of रु. 1,11,70,000 by the Himalayan Builders.{{cite web |url=https://neplays.com/archives/144731 |title=NPL Franchise Teams Sold, Pokhara Fetches Highest Price |work=Neplays |access-date=11 September 2024}}
Organization
= Player acquisition, squad composition, and salaries =
Teams acquire players through an auction.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/nepal-premier-league-auction-to-feature-142-players |title=Nepal Premier League auction to feature 142 players |work=Cricnepal |date=2 October 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024}} Each team has a squad of 16 players, with the opportunity of signing up to four foreign players: one marquee player from Lucky Draw,{{cite web |url=https://wicketnepal.com/2024/09/8-marquee-players-in-nepal-premier-league-to-earn-npr-2-million-find-out-which-player-represents-which-team/ |title=8 Marquee Players in Nepal Premier League to Earn NPR 2 Million: Find Out Which Player Represents Which Team |work=Wicket Nepal |access-date=5 October 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/why-the-lucky-draw-system-in-the-nepal-premier-league-misses-the-mark |title=Why the Lucky Draw System in the Nepal Premier League Misses the Mark |work=Cricnepal |date=15 September 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024}} three grade A players, four grade B players, three grade C players and one player from Talent Hunt. Unsold players at the auction can become replacement signings.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/nepal-premier-league-auction-everything-you-need-to-know |title=Nepal Premier League auction: Everything you need to know |work=Cricnepal |date=5 October 2024 |access-date=6 October 2024}}
Other notable rules, as of the 2024 season, include:
- Teams can buy up to 10 players from the auction round (3 grade A, 4 grade B, and 3 grade C)
- Grade A player base price: {{NPRConvert|10|l|lk=yes|year=2024}}, up to {{NPRConvert|15|l|lk=yes|year=2024}}
- Grade B player base price: {{NPRConvert|5|l|lk=yes|year=2024}}, up to {{NPRConvert|10|l|lk=yes|year=2024}}
- Grade C player base price: {{NPRConvert|2|l|lk=yes|year=2024}}, up to {{NPRConvert|5|l|lk=yes|year=2024}}
- The highest-bidding franchise buys players; if two or more bid the maximum amount, the lottery will decide which team the player will go to.
- The salary cap of the auctioned players has been allotted a purse of {{NPRConvert|90|l|lk=yes|year=2024}} each.{{cite web |title=एनपीएलको अक्सनमा बढीमा ९० लाख खर्च गर्न पाउने |trans-title=A maximum of 9 million can be spent on NPL auction |url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2024/10/1550048/a-maximum-of-90-lakhs-can-be-spent-on-npl-auctions |access-date=5 October 2024 |work=Onlinekhabr |language=ne}}
| class="wikitable"
|+Highest Paid Players in NPL 2024 Auction by The Kathmandu Post{{Cite web |title=12 players sold at highest price at Nepal Premier League auction |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/10/07/12-players-sold-at-highest-price-at-nepal-premier-league-auction |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=The Kathmandu Post |language=en}} !Player !Team !Salary |
| Aarif Sheikh
|Sudurpaschim Royals (SR) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Anil Sah
|Janakpur Bolts (JB) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Bhim Sharki
|Kathmandu Gurkhas (KG) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Bibek Yadav
|Lumbini Lions (LL) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Gulsan Jha
|Karnali Yaks (KY) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Lalit Rajbanshi
|Janakpur Bolts (JB) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Lokesh Bam
|Biratnagar Kings (BK) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Pratis GC
|Biratnagar Kings (BK) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Sagar Dhakal
|Pokhara Avengers (PA) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Shahab Alam
|Kathmandu Gurkhas (KG) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| Surya Tamang
|Lumbini Lions (LL) |Rs 15 lakhs |
| colspan="2" |Total
|Rs 180 lakhs |
| colspan="2" |Average salary
|Rs 15 lakhs |
= Prize money =
The inaugural 2024 season of the NPL offered total prize money of {{NPRConvert|2.01|c|lk=yes|year=2024}}. The prize money is split as follows:{{Cite web |last=Online |first=T. H. T. |date=17 December 2024 |title=CAN announces prize money for NPL as playoffs begins tomorrow |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/sports/can-announces-prize-money-for-npl-as-playoffs-begins-tomorrow |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=The Himalayan Times |language=en}}
- {{NPRConvert|1.1|c|lk=yes|year=2024}} – To the Champion
- {{NPRConvert|51|l|lk=yes|year=2024}} – To the Runner up
- {{NPRConvert|25|l|lk=yes|year=2024}} – To the 3rd place team
- {{NPRConvert|15|l|lk=yes|year=2024}} – To the 4th place team
Teams
As of the 2024 season, the league has eight teams based in provinces/cities across Nepal.
{{Location map+|Nepal|width=500|float=center|caption=All 8 NPL teams in the provinces/cities they are based in|places=
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|26|27|N|87|16|E}}|position=top|mark=orange pog.svg
|label=Biratnagar Kings}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|27|41|N|84|26|E}}|position=bottom|mark=blue pog.svg|
|label=Chitwan Rhinos}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|26|43|N|85|55|E}}|position=top|label=Janakpur Bolts}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|28|36|N|81|38|E}}|position=top|mark=red pog.svg
|label=Karnali Yaks}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|27|42|N|85|18|E}}|position=top||mark=green pog.svg|
label=Kathmandu Gurkhas}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|27|28|N|83|16|E}}|position=bottom|mark=yellow pog.svg|
label=Lumbini Lions}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|28|12|N|83|59|E}}|position=left|mark=pink pog.svg|
label=Pokhara Avengers}}
{{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|28|42|N|80|34|E}}|position=bottom|mark=purple pog.svg
|label=Sudurpaschim Royals}}
}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" |
| Team
! Province/City ! Debut ! Captain ! Head coach ! Owner(s) ! Auction Bid ! Home Ground |
|---|
| Biratnagar Kings
| 2024 | M.A.D. Dream Sports | {{NPRConvert|1.51|c|lk=yes}} |
| Chitwan Rhinos
| 2024 | {{NPRConvert|1.76|c|lk=yes}} |
| Janakpur Bolts
| 2024 | Anil Sah | Dream Sports | {{NPRConvert|2.05|c|lk=yes}} |
| Karnali Yaks
| 2024 | Himalayan Builders | {{NPRConvert|1.11|c|lk=yes}} |
| Kathmandu Gurkhas
| 2024 | Karan KC | Basanta Shahi | Kathmandu Sports Development Venture | {{NPRConvert|3.33|c|lk=yes}} |
| Lumbini Lions
| 2024 | Fortuna Health Care | {{NPRConvert|1.86|c|lk=yes}} |
| Pokhara Avengers
| 2024 | Nepal T20 Cricket Pvt. Ltd. | {{NPRConvert|3.57|c|lk=yes}} |
| Sudurpaschim Royals
| Kailali, Sudurpashchim Province | 2024 | Empire Sports | {{NPRConvert|1.68|c|lk=yes}} |
Tournament seasons and results
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center;"
! rowspan="2" |Year ! colspan="3" |Final ! rowspan="2" |Final venue ! rowspan="2" |Player of the season |
| Winner
!Result !Runner-up |
|---|
| 2024
| Janakpur Bolts | JB won by 5 wickets | Sudurpaschim Royals | Saif Zaib (Sudurpaschim Royals) |
| 2025
|TBD |
Teams' performances
=Seasons=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |
| |Season (No. of teams) !2024 |
|---|
| align=left| Biratnagar Kings
| 6th |
| align="left" | Chitwan Rhinos
| style="background: #cfc"|PO |
| align="left" | Janakpur Bolts
| style="background: gold"|C |
| align="left" | Kathmandu Gurkhas
| 5th |
| align="left" | Karnali Yaks
| style="background: #cfc"| PO |
| align="left" | Lumbini Lions
| 8th |
| align="left" | Pokhara Avengers
| 7th |
| align="left" | Sudurpaschim Royals
| style="background: silver |RU |
- Teams have been listed alphabetically.
- {{color box|border=darkgray|gold}} C: Champions
- {{color box|border=darkgray|silver}} RU: Runner-up
- {{color box|border=darkgray|cfc}} PO: Team qualified for the playoff stage of the competition
=Position of teams in NPL=
After the league stage, the position of the franchise:
| class="wikitable " style="text-align:center" |
| Year
!1st !2nd !3rd !4th !5th !6th !7th !8th |
|---|
| 2024
|SR (RU) |JB (C) |CR |KY |KG |BK |PA |LL |
- (C) = Eventual champion; (R) = Runner-up.
=All time standings=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |
| rowspan="2"|Teams
! colspan="3"|Appearances ! rowspan="2"|Best result ! colspan="5"|Statistics |
|---|
| Total
!First !Latest !Played !Won !Lost !NR !Win% |
| align="left" | Janakpur Bolts
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | style="background: gold" | Champions (2024) | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 70.00 |
| align="left" | Sudurpaschim Royals
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | style="background: silver | Runners-up (2024) | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 77.78 |
| align="left" | Karnali Yaks
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | Qualifier 2 (2024) | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 55.56 |
| align="left" | Chitwan Rhinos
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | Eliminator (2024) | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 50.00 |
| align=left| Biratnagar Kings
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | Group Stage (2024) | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 28.57 |
| align="left" | Kathmandu Gurkhas
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | Group Stage (2024) | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 57.14 |
| align="left" | Lumbini Lions
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | Group Stage (2024) | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 14.28 |
| align="left" | Pokhara Avengers
| 1 | 2024 | 2024 | Group Stage (2024) | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 28.57 |
Records and statistics
{{hatnote|Although matches were played using standard Twenty20 formats, players' statistics were not included in their official records because Nepal is not a full member of the International Cricket Council.}}
A summary of the most notable statistical records associated with the tournament is provided below:
{{updated|21 December 2024}}
| class="wikitable" |
| colspan="3"|Batting records |
|---|
| Most runs
| Lahiru Milantha (JB) | 293 |
| Highest score
| Andries Gous (PA) | 104 not out vs Lumbini Lions |
| Highest partnership
| Dinesh Kharel & Andries Gous (PA) | 176 vs Lumbini Lions |
| Most centuries
| Andries Gous (PA) | 1 |
| Most runs in a season
|Lahiru Milantha (JB) |293 |
| colspan="3"| Bowling records |
| Most wickets
| Scott Kuggeleijn (SR) & | 17 |
| Best bowling figures
| Will Bosisto (KY) | 6/28 vs Pokhara Avengers |
| Most wickets in a season
|Scott Kuggeleijn (SR) | 17 |
| colspan="3"| Fielding records |
| Most dismissals (wicket-keeper)
| Lahiru Milantha (JB), | 5 |
| Most catches (wicket-keeper)
| Bipin Rawal (CR) | 5 |
| Most stumpings (wicket-keeper)
| Lahiru Milantha (JB) | 4 |
| Most catches (fielder)
| Anil Sah (JB) | 12 |
| colspan="3"| Team records |
| Highest total
| Biratnagar Kings | 193/8 vs Lumbini Lions |
| Lowest total
| Janakpur Bolts | 51/10 vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
Broadcasting
The Nepal Premier League has officially announced its television rights partnership with Star Sports and digital rights partnership with DishHome for its inaugural season.{{Cite web |title=CAN grants Star Sports the right to broadcast Nepal Premier League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2024/11/15/can-grants-star-sports-the-right-to-broadcast-nepal-premier-league |access-date=15 November 2024 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}}
=List of broadcasters=
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Country | Channels | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal
| Star Sports |2024 | ||
| Bangladesh | rowspan=5| Star Sports
| 2024 | |
| Bhutan | 2024 | |
| India | 2024{{Cite web |title=Where to watch Nepal Premier League in India|url=https://www.sportsadda.com/cricket/news/nepal-premier-league-npl-2024-schedule-squads-telecast-watch-live-streaming-match-times-india|access-date=26 November 2024|website=SportsAdda |date=26 November 2024 |language=English}} | |
| Maldives | 2024 | |
| Sri Lanka | 2024 | |
| USA & Canada
| WillowTV | 2024 |
See also
- Cricket in Nepal
- List of cricket league in Nepal.
- Sports in Nepal – An overview of sports culture in Nepal
- List of professional sports leagues in Nepal
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- https://tv.ct.ws/npl/
- https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/nepal-premier-league-2024-25-1462594
- https://cricketnepal.org.np/
- [https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/nepal-premier-league-1078 Tournament home] on ESPNcricinfo
{{Cricket in Nepal}}
{{Twenty20 cricket domestic competitions}}
{{Portal bar|Nepal|Cricket|Sports}}
{{Authority control}}
category:Professional sports leagues in Nepal
category:Professional cricket leagues
category:Twenty20 cricket leagues
category:Sports leagues established in 2024
category:2024 establishments in Nepal