In a grand event titled "Celebration of Cricket," the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) officially unveiled the logo and dates for the much-anticipated Nepal Premier League (NPL). The event, held on Monday, marked a significant milestone in the journey of Nepali cricket, with the first edition of the NPL now set to run from November 30 to December 21 (Mangsir 15 to Paush 6).
Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary had the honor of revealing the NPL logo, a symbol of the league’s ambitions to elevate domestic cricket to new heights. Speaking at the event, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka expressed confidence that the NPL would herald a new era for cricket in Nepal, bringing with it unprecedented opportunities for commercialization and growth within the sport. He extended heartfelt thanks to all who have shown interest in participating in the league.
Khadka also acknowledged that the NPL’s schedule had been slightly delayed due to Nepal's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He shared insights from discussions held during the ICC General Assembly, where Nepal’s performance in the World Cup was a topic of keen interest among participants, underscoring the growing recognition of Nepali cricket on the global stage.
Sports Minister Chaudhary emphasized the remarkable achievements of Nepali cricket, noting that despite the absence of an organized cricket stadium, the dedication and perseverance of Nepali players have brought the nation’s cricketing prowess to the world’s attention. He also highlighted the National Sports Council's (Rakhep) commitment to supporting the NPL, particularly in facilitating the arrival of foreign players through a streamlined process for visas and work permits.
CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand provided updates on the national team’s ongoing training, which is being conducted with the support of the Indian Cricket Board. He expressed gratitude to Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy for their invaluable assistance in this regard.
The journey towards the NPL has not been without challenges. Two years ago, CAN had entrusted the organization of the Nepal T20 League to an Indian company, a decision that led to significant controversy. In light of this, CAN has taken it upon itself to organize the NPL, ensuring that the league meets the high standards expected by fans and players alike.
While Prime Minister KP Oli was initially scheduled to unveil the logo, he was unable to attend the event due to health concerns.
With the NPL now on the horizon, Nepali cricket fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter in the sport’s history, as the league promises to bring together top talent and foster the growth of cricket in Nepal.
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