All set for NPL that kicks off this Saturday

KATHMANDU: Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament begins in TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur this Saturday.

The NPL is being held under the aegis of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the official governing body of cricket sports in the country.

Janakpur Bolts will face Biratnagar Kings in the inaugural match to start at 12:15 PM at the TU cricket ground in Kirtipur.

A total of 8 teams including Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals are participating in the tournament.

Earlier, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had unveiled the trophy of NPL at Dharahara complex in Sundhara with the presence of all the 8 team captains in Kathmandu last Monday.

Popular sports channel Star Sports is airing the tournament live from TU cricket ground, with the involvement of renowned foreign cricket commentators.

As per the rule of the tournament, a team can included up to four foreign players to play the match, and can hold up to six foreign players to play for the team.

Accordingly, all the teams have hired foreign cricketers, including well known players like Shikhar Dhawan of India, Jimmy Nessham and Martin Guptil of New Zealand, Mohsin Khan of Pakistan, Brandon McMullen of Scotland, Tom Morees of England, Marchant de Lange of South Africa, Raymon Reifer of West Indies, among others.