NPL Points Table

The Nepal Premier League (NPL Season 3) promises competitive cricket with eight teams fighting for the championship. Fans are following the tournament as it builds on the previous editions. With the schedule listed and teams preparing, the stage is set for a full season of franchise T20 cricket.

The Nepal Premier League is a major T20 cricket tournament organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal. This third season will feature franchise teams from different cities and provinces. Sponsored by Siddhartha Bank, the event runs from November 17 to December 13, 2026, with matches listed at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

The league uses a round-robin format, where each team plays against every other team once. The top four teams will move on to the playoffs — Qualifiers and Eliminator — leading up to the final. This setup gives every team a fair chance to prove their strength throughout the tournament.

Tournament Format and Schedule

Each of the eight teams will play seven league matches, making a total of 28 games in the group stage. After that:

• Qualifier 1: December 9 (Top 2 teams)
• Eliminator: December 10 (3rd vs 4th place)
• Qualifier 2: December 11
• Final: December 13

Matches will be played both during the day and at night. The opening game on November 17 will set the tone for the whole season. Some days will feature double matches to keep the action going. Even though weather may affect games, the venues are well-prepared to handle most situations.

How the Points System Works in NPL 2026

• Win = 2 points
• Tie or No Result = 1 point
• Loss = 0 points

If two or more teams have the same number of points, the Net Run Rate (NRR) decides their position in the standings. Teams must play smart — scoring quickly and bowling tightly — to keep their NRR high and stay competitive.

Team Previews and Key Players

Top Contenders

• Janakpur Bolts: Defending champions led by Aasif Sheikh and coached by Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Known for their balance and experience.
• Biratnagar Kings: Captained by Sandeep Lamichhane and coached by Pubudu Dassanayake. Strong in spin and strategy.
• Chitwan Rhinos: Led by Kushal Malla, focusing on youth and power hitting.
• Karnali Yaks: Led by Sompal Kami, coached by Gyanendra Malla, with a focus on pace bowling.
• Kathmandu Gorkhas: Captain Karan KC and coach Monty Desai bring aggression and tactics.
• Lumbini Lions: Led by Rohit Paudel with coach Tinu Yohannan, focusing on discipline and team strategy.
• Pokhara Avengers: Captain Kushal Bhurtel leads a young and ambitious team.
• Sudurpaschim Royals: Led by Dipendra Singh Airee, looking for redemption after last season's final loss.

International Players to Watch

Several international stars will join NPL 2026, adding global appeal:

• Faf du Plessis (Biratnagar Kings) - Former South African captain and explosive batsman
• Rashid Khan (Kathmandu Gorkhas) - World-class Afghan spinner
• Chris Lynn (Sudurpaschim Royals) - Australian power-hitter
• Dawid Malan (Chitwan Rhinos) - English top-order batsman
• Local stars like Dev Khanal and Arjun Saud will also play key roles this season.

Latest Updates and News

• The Season 3 schedule lists matches from November 17 to December 13, 2026.
• All teams start the season on 0 points before the first ball is bowled.
• Points, net run rate, and playoff qualification will update after official match results.

The points table should be read as a pre-season standings page until match results begin. Wins, losses, no-results, and net run rate will decide the playoff race once the league stage starts.

Predictions for NPL 2026 Standings

Experts predict a close race for the top four. Janakpur Bolts might lead early, while Biratnagar Kings and Chitwan Rhinos could challenge strongly. Teams like Pokhara Avengers may also cause upsets. Weather conditions seem favorable, so the full schedule should go ahead smoothly.