Nepal Premier League Season 3 Begins Today, Winner to Receive Rs 1.5 Crore

Kathmandu, October 26, 2026: The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), is set to begin today, Monday, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Eight franchise teams will compete for the title during the tournament, which runs from October 26 to November 21, 2026 (Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5, 2083 BS).

The opening match will take place at 5:00 PM today between defending champions Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals, who finished as runners-up in both previous editions. Rohit Kumar Paudel will captain Lumbini Lions, while Dipendra Singh Airee will lead Sudurpaschim Royals.

CAN announced at a press conference on Sunday that preparations for the tournament had been completed. Major developments this season include an increase in prize money, official T20 recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS), and improvements to the cricket ground.

Winner to Receive Rs 1.5 Crore, Total Prize Money Reaches Rs 3 Crore

The winning team of the third NPL edition will receive Rs 1.5 crore. CAN Treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka announced the prize money on Sunday, confirming that the amount had been increased compared with the previous edition.

CAN has allocated a total of Rs 3 crore in prize money for the top four teams.

According to Treasurer Khadka, the decision to increase the prize money was made following recommendations from the NPL Governing Council and with the agreement of CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand.

Janakpur Bolts won the inaugural NPL title, while Lumbini Lions became champions of the second edition. Sudurpaschim Royals reached the final in both editions but failed to secure the title.

The two finalists from the previous season will face each other in the opening match of this year's competition.

NPL 2026 Economic Transactions Estimated at Rs 1.5 Billion

CAN estimates that the combined economic transactions of the tournament organizer and franchise teams could reach approximately Rs 1.5 billion (Rs 150 crore) during the third edition. This is a projection made before the tournament begins.

According to Treasurer Khadka, CAN expects transactions worth approximately Rs 70 crore to Rs 75 crore from sponsorships, ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and other sources. Sponsorships alone are projected to generate around Rs 20 crore.

The overall economic activity associated with the tournament will also include spending by the eight franchise teams on player contracts, training, accommodation, travel, and other management requirements.

CAN estimates that the combined financial activities of the organizer and franchises could bring total transactions to around Rs 1.5 billion. However, this figure does not represent net profit.

Actual revenue, expenditure, and financial results will become clear from the figures available after the tournament concludes.

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka has emphasized the need for continued attention to financial sustainability and infrastructure development to ensure the long-term operation of the NPL.

Responding to questions about tournament management and transparency, he also expressed a commitment to making necessary improvements.

NPL Receives Official T20 Recognition from ICC

The third edition of the Nepal Premier League has received official T20 recognition from the International Cricket Council for the first time.

Following the approval received on October 16, individual performances in this season's matches will count toward players' official T20 career statistics.

Runs scored and wickets taken during the first two NPL editions were not included in players' official T20 career records.

Under the new recognition, runs, wickets, and other performances recorded during the third edition will be added to players' official T20 statistics.

This will allow performances by both Nepali and overseas cricketers to be recorded in recognized T20 cricket statistics.

However, official T20 recognition is different from T20 International (T20I) status. Although NPL matches will count as official T20 cricket, they will not be classified as T20 Internationals, which are played between national teams.

The current approval applies to the third edition only. It does not mean that all future editions will automatically receive the same recognition.

Decision Review System to Be Used in All Matches for the First Time

The Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in all matches of the third NPL edition for the first time.

The technology will allow teams to request reviews of certain decisions made by on-field umpires.

When a player challenges an on-field decision, the available technological evidence can be examined to determine whether the original decision should stand or be overturned.

Several technologies will support the review process:

• Ball-tracking technology: Three-dimensional tracking will help assess the projected path of the ball in leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions.

• Edge detection and audio analysis: These technologies will help identify possible contact between the bat and ball.

• Video review: Video footage will assist in reviewing run-outs, stumpings, and certain no-ball decisions.

Under the announced arrangements, each team will be allowed up to two unsuccessful reviews per innings.

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said the match timings had also been adjusted because operating DRS could require additional time.

Although the technology will assist officials in reviewing decisions, final decisions will be made according to the applicable laws and playing conditions of cricket and the available evidence.

Total of 32 Matches, Final Scheduled for November 21

The tournament will follow a single round-robin league format, followed by playoffs.

All eight franchises will play each other once during the league stage, meaning each team will compete in seven league matches.

A total of 32 matches will be played, comprising 28 league-stage matches and four playoff matches.

The top four teams in the league standings will qualify for the playoffs.

The playoff schedule is as follows:

In Qualifier 1, the teams finishing first and second in the league standings will compete against each other. The winner will advance directly to the final.

The third- and fourth-placed teams will meet in the Eliminator.

The winner of the Eliminator will face the losing team from Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2. The winner of Qualifier 2 will secure the remaining place in the final.

All matches will take place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

NPL Season 3 Schedule

NPL 2026 Match Timings Revised

CAN has revised the previously announced match schedule following the introduction of DRS.

Under the updated schedule, the first match on days featuring two fixtures will begin at 12:30 PM, while the second match will start at 5:00 PM.

On days featuring only one match, play will also begin at 5:00 PM.

Previously, evening matches were scheduled to start at 4:30 PM.

The opening match will therefore begin at 5:00 PM.

CAN has published the revised schedule to inform spectators about the updated match dates and starting times.

Eight Participating Teams and Their Captains

The same eight franchise teams that participated in the previous two editions will compete in the third season.

The participating teams and their announced captains are:

Janakpur Bolts have appointed American all-rounder Harmeet Singh as their captain for this edition.

Singh previously represented Sudurpaschim Royals during the first two NPL seasons.

Aasif Sheikh Becomes Most Expensive Player in Domestic Auction

The domestic player auction for the third NPL edition took place in Kathmandu on July 6, 2026.

Before the auction, the eight franchises retained some of their existing players.

A total of 155 domestic cricketers from different categories were shortlisted for the auction.

Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh emerged as the most expensive player in the auction after Lumbini Lions signed him for Rs 20 lakh.

Aasif, who previously represented Janakpur Bolts, joined Lumbini Lions for the new season.

Following the auction, the franchises continued assembling their domestic squads and signing overseas players.

Changes in player recruitment have resulted in several teams entering this season with different squad combinations compared with the previous edition.

International Players Signed for NPL Season 3

Several NPL franchises have signed overseas cricketers with international playing experience for the third edition.

Kathmandu Gorkhas have included Australian cricketer David Warner in their squad.

Biratnagar Kings have signed West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell and Sri Lankan cricketer Charith Asalanka.

Karnali Yaks have recruited South African batter David Miller.

Pokhara Avengers have signed Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Sri Lankan cricketer Chamika Karunaratne.

Janakpur Bolts have included England all-rounder Moeen Ali and New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham.

Similarly, Chitwan Rhinos have signed Sikandar Raza and Ravi Bopara, while Sudurpaschim Royals have recruited Scott Kuggeleijn.

Lumbini Lions have signed players including Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella.

However, signing a player does not necessarily guarantee participation in the tournament.

Overseas players must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective cricket boards.

Their actual participation will depend on the necessary approvals, travel arrangements, availability, and final selection decisions made by their franchises.

NPL 2026 Ticket Prices Range from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000

CAN has announced ticket prices for the third edition based on the stage of the tournament and seating category.

According to the published details, general admission tickets for league-stage matches will cost Rs 500, while premium tickets will cost Rs 1,000.

For the Eliminator and final, general admission tickets will cost Rs 1,000, while premium tickets will be priced at Rs 2,000.

The announced ticket prices are as follows:

CAN has arranged for tournament tickets to be sold through eSewa.

Spectators purchasing tickets should check the relevant match, date, and seating category before completing their purchase.

Additional Spectator Facilities at TU Cricket Ground

The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur has undergone infrastructure improvements ahead of the third NPL edition.

Approximately 2,000 new seats have been added to the venue.

Published details indicate that improvements include covered spectator areas, additional seating, and other facilities.

The ground has also received upgrades to its LED scoreboard, digital advertising boards, player seating areas, media centre, toilets, and other infrastructure.

Floodlights have been installed at the ground, allowing evening matches to be conducted.

The organizer expects the upgraded facilities to improve arrangements for spectators, players, media personnel, and technical teams involved in operating the tournament.

Free Fan Zones Announced at 10 Locations Outside the Stadium

Arrangements have also been announced for supporters to watch NPL matches together at locations outside the cricket ground.

Xtreme Energy Drink has announced that it will operate free fan zones at 10 locations across Nepal.

The matches will be broadcast live on large LED screens at these locations.

In the Kathmandu Valley, fan zones will be established at Sifal Ground in Kathmandu, Micro Park in Kirtipur, and an area in front of Gate No. 2 of the TU Cricket Ground.

Additional fan zones have been announced in Dhangadhi, Surkhet, Butwal, Pokhara, Chitwan, Janakpur, and Biratnagar.

According to the company, entry to these fan zones will be free.

The arrangement will allow supporters who cannot attend matches at the stadium to watch the tournament together at designated public viewing locations.

Third NPL Edition to Test Competition and Tournament Management

The third edition of the Nepal Premier League introduces several developments, including increased prize money, official ICC T20 recognition, the use of DRS, and improved spectator facilities.

The competition will provide Nepali cricketers with opportunities to play alongside experienced international players from different countries.

However, in addition to player performances, the operation of technical systems, spectator management, and financial transparency will be important considerations for the organizers.

The winner of the third edition will be decided in the final scheduled for November 21, 2026 (Mangsir 5, 2083 BS).

Before that, the tournament will officially begin at 5:00 PM today with the opening match between Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals.