NPL 2024: A likely game changer for Nepali cricket

Kathmandu: The Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament kicks off in the capital today. Organized by the national cricket regulatory body, Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the first edition of the competition has already created much buzz with the participation of some very popular and senior cricketers from around the globe.

A total of eight franchise-based team representing the 7 provinces, and the federal capital are fighting it out for the inaugural trophy that also carries a stone reportedly from Kalapatthar and engraved with the world’s tallest peak, Everest or Sagarmatha.

Another added feature of the tournament that is likely to globalize it is the provision to air the matches live on Star Sports Channel, with international commentators. Furthermore, the Tribhuvan University (TU) International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur has been upgrade with a digital score board and new seating arrangement for the spectators. Like Raman Thapa, a resident of Imadol, many have already booked their tickets to see live many foreign recruits playing in front of their home ground.

Star players like Shikhar Dhawan of India, New Zealand’s Martyl Guptill Jimmy Neesham, Joshua Trump of the US, Lahiru Milantha of Sri Lanka, Mohammad Mohsin Khan of Pakistan and all-rounder Ben Mike of England have added attractions to the NPL.

The opportunity for Nepali cricketers to pay with international crickets with experience of having played all formats of the game and franchise-based T20 tournament is likely to have a long-term impact for the development of the sport of cricket in the country. Provided it is run professionally and commercially, it might even prove a game changer for the sports in the country. It will naturally add pressure to the government sports authorites to invest more on cricketing infrastructure as well as run cricket league, provincial and local-level tournaments.

Meanwhile, given the high feasibility of the tournament becoming a success, people have invested as much as Rs 40 million to buy a franchise team. Pokhara Avengers was bought for about Rs 35.7 million.

Though CAN has not yet revealed the figure of the prize money that the winning team will pocket, it has announced that the best Nepali cricketer will walk home with a car.

The tournament kicks off this afternoon, with Janakpur Bolts, representing Madhesh Province facing Biratnagar Kings from Koshi Province. The opening match to be held at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is scheduled to start at 12:15 pm.

Janakpur bolts is led by national cricket team member wicketkeeper Anil Shah. Other members include marquee player Asif Sheikh, Lalit Rajbanshi Rupesh Singh, Kishore Mahato, Araniko Prasad Yadav, Tul Bahadur Thapa Magar, Akash Tripathi, Shubha Kansakar, Sher Malla and Hemant Dhami.

The international recruits include Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand, Joshua Trump of the US, Lahiru Milantha of Sri Lanka. Mohammad Mohsin Khan of Pakistan and all-rounder Ben Mike of England. As per the rule, a team can play up to four international players at a time.

The head coach of Janakpur is Pubudu Dassanayake, former coach of the national senior cricket team of Nepal.
Meanwhile, Biratnagar Kings is led by spin bowler Sandeep Lamichhane, who is also the marquee player of the team. Other members of the team include Lokesh Bam, Pratish GC, Bashir Ahmed, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Jitendra Kumar Mukhiya, Anil Kharel, Deepak Bohara, Subhash Bhandari, Naren Bhatt and Munal Gurung. The foreign players are Oman’s Aqib Ilyas, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, Canada’s Nicholas Kirton, Scotland’s Chris Soul and Afghanistan’s Ismail Alam. The team’s coach is Kevin O’Brien.

Along with Janakpur Bolts and Biratnagar Kings, the other teams include Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos and Sudurpaschim Royals.

The tournament ends with the final match scheduled to be held at the same ground on December 21.