TU Ground, Kirtipur
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, stands as the spiritual heart and official match venue for Nepal Premier League Season 3 from October 26 to November 21, 2026. Explore pitch conditions, spectator stands, transit routes, and stadium entry rules.
Tournament Window: October 26 – November 21, 2026 · Location: Kirtipur, Kathmandu Valley
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, serves as the confirmed venue for all Nepal Premier League Season 3 matches from October 26 to November 21, 2026. Situated at an elevation of 1,330 meters on the Kathmandu Valley plateau, the historic stadium features natural turf pitches and lush grass spectator banks with views of the central Himalayas. Double-header days start at 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM NST, while single-header days feature one evening fixture at 5:00 PM NST. Stadium infrastructure includes renovated team pavilions, media facilities, and digital turnstiles managed by the Cricket Association of Nepal.
NPL 2026 Stadium & Venue Overview
- Official Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, hosts all 32 Nepal Premier League Season 3 fixtures from October 26 to November 21, 2026.
- Ground Setting: Located at an altitude of 1,330 meters within the TU university campus, the stadium features natural turf pitches and sloping spectator grass banks.
- Match Slots: On double-header days the first match starts at 12:30 PM and the second at 5:00 PM NST; single-header days feature one evening fixture at 5:00 PM NST.
- Team Gates: Xtreme Energy Drink installed seven team-branded entrance gates outside the ground in late September 2026, one for each of the seven franchises it sponsors.
- Spectator Enclosures: Seating comprises General Admission lawn banks, East and West covered pavilions, and VIP corporate enclosures.
- Access & Entry: Fans reach the ground via Kathmandu Ring Road through Balkhu junction. Gates open 2.5 hours before play, requiring eSewa digital ticket passes.
Cricket Heritage of Tribhuvan University Ground
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur stands as the historic epicenter of international and domestic cricket in Nepal. Established under the aegis of Tribhuvan University and managed in partnership with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the facility has staged historic ICC World Cricket League fixtures, One Day Internationals, Twenty20 Internationals, and high-intensity franchise tournaments.
The venue is celebrated globally for its natural amphitheater setting. Encased by rolling grass embankments and framed by the scenic hills of the Kathmandu Valley, TU Ground produces one of the most vibrant spectator atmospheres in associate cricket, drawing dedicated supporters from across the seven provinces of Nepal. Ahead of Season 3, CAN has been upgrading the ground, and TU Ground preparations have now entered their final stage ahead of the October 26 opener.
Pitch Characteristics, Elevation & Weather Dynamics
Operating at an elevation of roughly 1,330 meters above sea level, TU Ground presents distinctive atmospheric and playing conditions. Thinner mountain air reduces aerodynamic resistance, allowing well-struck lofted boundaries to travel cleanly over the ropes.
Warm Afternoon Conditions
Double-header openers are played in warm afternoon light. Sustained sunlight dries the clay surface into an even, true batting track, and the ball comes onto the bat freely through the first innings.
Day-Night Match Under Lights
Single-header days and the second game of double-headers begin at 5:00 PM, starting in daylight and finishing under floodlights. As evening temperatures fall, the cooling surface can offer spinners more grip through the second innings.
Typical Twenty20 first-innings competitive scores at TU Ground range between 155 and 175 runs. Teams winning the toss frequently opt to chase in afternoon fixtures, taking advantage of predictable boundary dimensions and afternoon breeze patterns. Autumn conditions between October and November bring clear sunny skies with daytime temperatures around 22°C to 26°C, cooling down to 12°C to 15°C by evening.
Stadium Enclosures & Viewing Areas
TU Ground offers varied viewing perspectives accommodating general supporters, families, and corporate guests across three principal enclosures:
General Admission Grass Banks
The signature viewing feature of Kirtipur. Fans sit along expansive green lawns encircling the boundary ropes. The general banks deliver an unmatched festival environment with club banners, team drums, and traditional cheering squads. Blankets or light cushions are recommended.
East & West Covered Pavilions
Constructed along the mid-wicket and square boundaries, the covered pavilions provide shelter from direct midday sunlight. Elevated tier seating ensures unobstructed tactical views of field placements, running between wickets, and boundary fielding.
VIP Pavilion & Hospitality Boxes
Situated adjacent to the players' dressing rooms and match officials' facilities, the VIP enclosure offers designated chair seating, accredited guest lounges, shaded canopies, and direct sightlines behind the bowler's arm.
Accessible Spectator Access
Spectators requiring step-free access can enter through designated level pathways near the primary pavilion concourse. Dedicated spaces for mobility devices and companions are allocated near the main entry gates.
Xtreme Energy Team Gates at the Venue
Xtreme Energy Drink sponsors seven of the eight Season 3 franchises — every team except Sudurpaschim Royals — and on September 28, 2026 set up seven team-branded entrance gates outside the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. Each gate carries one sponsored franchise's colors and identity: Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, and Lumbini Lions. Arrive early on matchday to walk through your team's gate before the crowds build.
Reaching TU Ground: Routes and Parking
Kirtipur lies in the southwestern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, roughly 7 kilometers from central Kathmandu. Multiple transit options link the stadium with major residential hubs:
Transit From Central Kathmandu
Follow the Ring Road south to Balkhu junction. Turn onto Kirtipur Road and continue past the Tribhuvan University campus main gates toward the international ground perimeter. Driving time from Ratna Park or Kalanki is typically 20 to 30 minutes outside peak congestion.
Public Buses & Microbuses
Regular public bus routes depart from Old Bus Park, Ratna Park, and Lagankhel terminal labeled for Kirtipur or TU Campus. Disembark at the TU Main Gate stop, followed by an 8-minute signposted walk to the spectator turnstiles.
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride apps such as Pathao and InDrive operate actively across the valley. Set your destination pin to "TU Ground Main Entrance" to ensure drop-off at designated pedestrian walkways rather than congested campus roads.
Spectator Vehicle Parking
Official two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking lots are designated by traffic police within selected open university grounds surrounding the complex. Vehicles are prohibited inside the inner stadium perimeter; please allow 15 minutes to park and walk to your gate.
Matchday Regulations & Stadium Facilities
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and local security authorities enforce standardized venue safety protocols for all tournament fixtures:
Entry & Security Verification
- Gates open 2.5 hours prior to the official toss.
- Digital eSewa QR passes must be presented on smartphone screens or clear printed vouchers.
- Government-issued photo identification may be requested at security checkpoints.
- Single entry rule applies; re-entry passes are not issued once scanned.
Prohibited Items List
- Glass bottles, metal containers, and hard insulated flasks.
- Power banks, large camera lenses without media credentials.
- Fireworks, flares, whistles, and laser pointers.
- Outside commercial beverages or unauthorized marketing signs.
On-Site Fan Amenities
TU Ground provides complimentary filtered drinking water stations throughout the concourses. Licensed food kiosks offer hygienic local snacks, tea, and sealed paper-cup refreshments. Dedicated emergency medical tents staffed by trained paramedics operate behind both pavilion ends.
NPL Records at TU Ground, Kirtipur
Every Nepal Premier League match in all three seasons has been played at this one ground, so the league record book is also this ground's record book. These are the headline NPL records set at TU Ground before Season 3:
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest team total | Biratnagar Kings 220/6 against Pokhara Avengers (18 November 2025) |
| Lowest team total | Janakpur Bolts 51 all out against Sudurpaschim Royals (11 December 2024) |
| Highest individual score | Mark Watt (Karnali Yaks), 114 not out against Lumbini Lions (22 November 2025) |
| Most runs in NPL history | Rohit Paudel — 555 runs |
| Most runs in one season | Adam Rossington — 323 runs (Season 2, 2025) |
| Most wickets in NPL history | Scott Kuggeleijn — 27 wickets |
The full record book, including team-by-team totals and season honours, is on the NPL records page.
TU Ground Location and Map
Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground sits inside the Tribhuvan University campus in Kirtipur, in the south-west of the Kathmandu Valley. The full address is TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Open TU Ground in Google Maps for directions and live travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions About NPL Venue
Where is the Nepal Premier League 2026 being held?
Nepal Premier League Season 3 matches are scheduled to take place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground located in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
How do I reach Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur?
Fans can reach the venue via Kathmandu's Ring Road through Balkhu junction onto Kirtipur Road. Public buses and microbuses depart regularly from Ratna Park, while ride-sharing options drop passengers directly outside the main campus gates.
What are the pitch conditions like at TU Ground?
The natural turf surface offers balanced carry and bounce. Day fixtures in warm afternoon light generally favor strokeplay, while the 5:00 PM evening fixtures finishing under lights can offer spinners more grip as evening temperatures fall.
What items are prohibited inside the stadium?
Prohibited items include glass bottles, metal cans, sharp objects, fireworks, professional video equipment without accreditation, power banks, large backpacks, and commercial advertising banners.
Is spectator parking available near TU Ground?
Designated park-and-walk lots are managed along peripheral university campus zones, though public transit and ride-sharing are advised due to high matchday traffic.
Where can fans buy tickets for matches at TU Ground?
Official match tickets are available digitally through the eSewa app and website, as well as physical box office counters outside the stadium on match days subject to availability.
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