A New Era of Nepali Cricket

The Nepal Premier League’s second season commenced on November 17 at the renovated Tribhuvan University cricket ground under the newly installed floodlights—the very first of their kind in Nepal’s cricketing history. Renovated at a cost of above Rs 800 million, this revamped stadium now accommodates a seating capacity of about 10,000 fans. Gone are the days when fans had to sit on the grassy floor to watch their teams playing. What is heartening to note is that the inflow of hordes of international cricketing stalwarts like Faf du Plessis, Martin Guptill, Imran Tahir, Jimmy Neesham, Sohail Tanvir, Jason Roy and several others further heightened the standard of the league. Without doubt, the NPL, with its second consecutive tournament in two years, has brought Nepal and its cricket global recognition. Eight franchise teams—including Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpaschim Royals—have made considerable investments to make their teams competitive in the tournament, which has lifted the standard of the tournament.