The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has successfully confirmed the owners of all eight teams for the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The highly anticipated franchise auction took place today, determining ownership for teams across the country.
A base price of NPR 1 crore was set for each franchise, with bidding showcasing strong interest from multiple sectors. The team representing Pokhara garnered the highest bid, reaching an impressive NPR 3.57 crore, while Karnali attracted the lowest bid at NPR 1.11 crore.
Teams, Franchise Owners and Bids
The following are the teams set to compete in the Nepal Premier League:
| Team | City/Province | Home Ground | Bids (NPR) | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Tigers | Biratnagar | GP Koirala Cricket Stadium | Rs.1,51,00,000 | M.A.D Dreams Sports Pvt. Ltd. |
| Chitwan Rhinos | Chitwan | Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium | Rs. 1,76,01,000 | Chitwan Medical College |
| Royal Janakpur Warriors | Janakpur | Shree Ram Janaki international Cricket Stadium | Rs. 2,05,00,000 | Dream Sports Pvt. Ltd. |
| Karnali Superstars | Karnali | Karadi Cricket Stadium | Rs. 1,11,70,000 | Himalayan Builders and Engineers Pvt. Ltd. |
| Kathmandu Kings | Kathmandu | TU Cricket Stadium | Rs. 3,33,33,339 | Kantipur Publications |
| Lumbini Legends | Lumbini | Extra Tech Oval Cricket Stadium | Rs. 1,86,00,004 | Fortuna Health Care Pvt. Ltd. |
| Pokhara Lions | Pokhara | Pokhara International Cricket Stadium | Rs. 3,57,00,000 | Nepal T-Twenty Cricket Pvt. Ltd. |
| Sudurpashim United | Sudurpashchim | Fapla International Cricket Ground | Rs. 1,68,88,888 | Empire Sports Management Pvt. Ltd. |
Check out the NPL 2024 Full Players Auction List
Tournament Schedule and Format
The Nepal Premier League will take place from November 30 to December 21, 2024, using a round-robin format, with the top teams progressing to the playoffs. The event will be held at the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground in Kathmandu, marking a historic moment for Nepalese cricket as the country embarks on its journey in franchise-based Twenty20 cricket.
A New Chapter in Nepalese Cricket
The creation of the NPL signals a significant leap forward for cricket in Nepal, building on the momentum of previous leagues like the Everest Premier League, Pokhara Premier League, and Dhangadhi Premier League. The NPL features eight teams, each representing key cities across Nepal, making it the most expansive cricket league in the country to date.
History of Franchise Cricket in Nepal
The concept of franchise-based cricket in Nepal gained prominence in 2022 when CAN organized the Nepal T20 League in partnership with Indian sports management firm Seven3Sports. However, that league was embroiled in controversies surrounding match-fixing and corruption. Learning from those experiences, CAN launched the NPL in January 2024, with an improved and transparent structure.
Expectations and Future Growth
The NPL represents a significant shift in the development of Nepalese cricket. Officials hope that the success of the league will further highlight the country’s potential and inspire greater investment in sports infrastructure. By expanding the reach of the game and encouraging youth participation, the NPL is expected to foster the next generation of cricketing talent in Nepal.
With the inaugural season set to kick off soon, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting and transformative event for Nepalese cricket.
