The brand new season of Nepal Premier League (NPL) starts again on Monday, and the third season looks bigger than the first two. Eight franchises will play from October 26 to November 21 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. It will have overseas stars, a decision review system and an upgraded ground.
The biggest change is off the field. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sanctioned this edition, which gives it official Twenty20 status. Runs, wickets and other numbers from the tournament now count toward players’ recognised career records.
Why the ICC status matters
Before this season, the lack of that status made it hard for franchises to sign active international players, especially from Test-playing countries. The sanction removes that obstacle for now. It could also give Nepali players more chances to play against experienced opponents.
The approval covers the third edition only.
The overseas names
Recent reports confirm several well-known signings:
- David Warner (Australia): Kathmandu Gorkhas
- Andre Russell (West Indies): Biratnagar Kings
- Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan (Bangladesh): Pokhara Avengers
- Moeen Ali (England) and Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand): Janakpur Bolts
- Hussain Talat (Pakistan): Karnali Yaks
Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka has also been reported among the Biratnagar Kings’ overseas recruits. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is expected in Nepal as a television analyst.
Each squad can have six to eight foreign players. A match-day XI can include no more than four of them and must have at least one player from an ICC Associate Member nation. Big names bring attention, but they do not decide how good the cricket will be. Availability, form and team results will matter just as much.
A better ground
The Kirtipur ground has had work done for spectators, players and broadcasters. The upgrades are about 2,000 extra seats, a covered stand, an LED scoreboard, digital boards around the boundary, better dugouts, a media centre, a family zone and improved toilets.
The ground is also due to host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off in December and matches in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in early 2027.
The opening match
Defending champions Lumbini Lions play Sudurpaschim Royals on October 26. The tournament then runs until November 21.
Background: how far the league has come
The first two editions did not have ICC sanction or DRS. This season is the first with both, plus a better-equipped ground. That is a fair measure of how quickly the league is changing.
What happens next
The bigger test is whether the NPL can hold attention once the overseas names have played. Real chances for Nepali players, fair competition and a reliable match-day experience will shape its future. Final squads and player availability should be confirmed with CAN or the franchises, since a signing does not guarantee a player will arrive or make the XI.
