KATHMANDU: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced that all preparations for the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have been completed. The franchise T20 tournament is set to begin on November 17.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, CAN officials said this year’s edition will be played under floodlights for the first time. CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said the decision was taken to make the event grander and more spectacular than the inaugural edition.
Khadka also confirmed that the prize money remains unchanged from the first NPL. In the previous edition, champions Janakpur Bolts received Rs 11 million, while runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals took home Rs 5.1 million. Karnali Yaks, who finished third, earned Rs 2.5 million, and Chitwan Rhinos, who came fourth, received Rs 1.5 million.
CAN has set an ambitious target of generating Rs 400 million from this year’s tournament. Treasurer Padam Khadka said CAN expects around Rs 150–300 million from sponsorships alone. “We will receive Rs 90 million from team owners. This time we have also introduced a digital OTT platform,” he added.
DishHome’s OTT service, DishHome Go, secured broadcasting rights for Rs 53 million. Of the global broadcasting revenue, CAN will receive 71 percent while DishHome will retain the remaining 29 percent. Linear TV rights have also been finalized, with the base amount set at Rs 10 million.
Ticket sales are expected to generate between Rs 80 million and Rs 120 million.
A total of eight franchise teams are participating in the league, all of which have signed foreign players. Some overseas players have already arrived in Nepal, while others will join soon.
The opening match of NPL 2 will feature defending champions Janakpur Bolts against Kathmandu Gorkhas at 4 pm on November 17.
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