NPL 2026 Begins Today
A New Era for Nepali Cricket
The big moment is finally here—the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026 officially starts today, bringing a month of exciting T20 cricket to fans in Nepal and around the world. With better stadiums, day-night games, new facilities, and top-level cricketers taking part, this season is set to be the biggest cricket event Nepal has ever hosted.
Cricket fans have waited a long time for this day. The tournament mixes Nepal's rising local talent with famous international players, creating strong matchups and memorable moments. Organizers have worked hard to upgrade venues and prepare teams, making this year's event a major achievement for Nepali cricket.
Overview of the Nepal Premier League 2026
The NPL 2026 is the second edition of Nepal's main Twenty20 league, run by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). The event uses a single round-robin format and features 28 league matches, followed by playoffs and the big final on December 13.
Tournament Dates: November 17 – December 13, 2026
Number of Teams: 8
Format: Round-robin + Playoffs
Match Types: Day and night matches under floodlights
Main Venue: TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
CAN expects record fan interest this season thanks to better facilities, strong teams, and worldwide streaming options.
Upgraded Venue & New Floodlights
For the first time ever, Nepal will host official night cricket after major upgrades at the TU Cricket Ground.
Increased Capacity
Seating capacity increased to 10,000+
Better Viewing
New parapet stands for better viewing
Floodlights
6 towers with 420 lights for night matches
These upgrades improve the fan experience and allow exciting day-night matches.
Prize Money for NPL 2026
The prize money is the same as last season:
CAN also hopes to earn Rs 300–400 million this season and already has Rs 150 million in sponsorships.
Participating Teams and Their Strengths
Eight franchise teams will play this year, each with Nepali stars and known international players.
Biratnagar Kings
Captain: Rohit Paudel
Key Players: Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Sandeep Lamichhane
Chitwan Rhinos
Captain: Paras Khadka
Key Players: Shakib Al Hasan, Karan KC
Janakpur Bolts
Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee
Key Players: Chris Gayle, Anil Sah
Karnali Yaks
Captain: Binod Bhandari
Key Players: Rashid Khan, Sompal Kami
Kathmandu Gorkhas
Captain: Gyanendra Malla
Key Players: Jason Holder, Kushal Bhurtel
Lumbini Lions
Captain: Sharad Vesawkar
Key Players: David Miller, Aasif Sheikh
Pokhara Avengers
Captain: Sagar Pun
Key Players: Trent Boult, Aarif Sheikh
Sudur Paschim Royals
Captain: Bhim Sharki
Key Players: Andre Russell, Avinash Bohara
Each team has its own strengths—big hitters, top bowlers, strong all-rounders, and great fielders. This variety guarantees tough and exciting matches.
Opening Match: Today at 4 PM
The tournament begins with a big match:
Janakpur Bolts vs Kathmandu Gorkhas
This exciting opener sets the stage for a great season.
Match Schedule Highlights
- Daily matches during the league stage
- Several double-headers for more entertainment
- 28 league games from Nov 17 to Dec 7
Playoffs:
Qualifier 1: December 9
Eliminator: December 10
Qualifier 2: December 11
Final: December 13
Night games under floodlights will be one of the biggest attractions.
How to Watch the Nepal Premier League 2026
Fans can watch every match live through:
- FanCode – global live streaming
- Regional TV channels – nationwide coverage
- Stadium tickets – low prices for families and students
Stadium attendance is expected to be higher than last year thanks to better facilities and famous star players.
Star Players to Watch
Top international players add huge experience and global attention:
- Faf du Plessis – Biratnagar Kings
- AB de Villiers – Biratnagar Kings
- Chris Gayle – Janakpur Bolts
- Rashid Khan – Karnali Yaks
- Andre Russell – Sudur Paschim Royals
- Jason Holder – Kathmandu Gorkhas
- Trent Boult – Pokhara Avengers
- Shakib Al Hasan – Chitwan Rhinos
Local stars like Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, and Sompal Kami are also expected to perform strongly beside these international names.
Why NPL 2026 Matters for Nepal
The Nepal Premier League is more than just a cricket event.
Supports domestic cricket
Helps young players grow
Increases Nepal's chances of hosting bigger events
Boosts tourism and local business
Improves global visibility for Nepali cricket
NPL 2026 is a big step forward for cricket in Nepal.
Final Thoughts
The Nepal Premier League 2026 starts with huge excitement, better stadium facilities, strong squads, and wide national and international interest. Whether you watch in the stadium or online, this tournament brings great moments, competitive cricket, and a new chapter for Nepali sports.