Nepal Premier League

{{Short description|Professional T20 cricket league in Nepal}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox cricket tournament main | name = Nepal Premier League | image = Nepal Premier League official logo.png | image_size = 250px | caption = '''Official Logo of NPL''' | country = Nepal | administrator = Cricket Association of Nepal | headquarters = Kathmandu, Nepal | cricket format = Twenty20 | first = 2024 | last = 2025 | next = 2026 | current =  | tournament format = Round-robin and playoffs | participants = 8 | champions = Lumbini Lions (1st title) | most successful = Janakpur Bolts Lumbini Lions (1 title each) | qualification = | most runs = Rohit Paudel (555) | most wickets = Scott Kuggeleijn (27) | TV = List of broadcasters | website = {{url|https://nplt20.com/|nplt20.com}} }} {{Season sidebar | image = | caption = | title = Seasons | list = * 2024 * 2025 }}

The '''Nepal Premier League''' is a professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket league in Nepal, organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).<ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal Premier League T20 cricket from Nov 30 |url=https://en.himalpress.com/nepal-premier-league-t20-cricket-from-nov-30/ |date=19 August 2024 |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=Himal Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CAN unveils new Nepal Premier League logo and schedule |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/can-unveils-new-nepal-premier-league-logo-and-schedule |date=19 August 2024 |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=Cricnepal}}</ref> Founded in 2024, it features eight franchise teams representing major cities and provinces of Nepal,<ref>{{cite web |title=CAN unveils packed 2026 calendar with domestic and international fixtures |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/sports/can-unveils-packed-2026-calendar-with-domestic-and-international-fixtures |website=The Himalayan Times |date=3 January 2026 |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> and operates as the country's premier franchise-based cricket competition.<ref name="tkp">{{cite web |title=CAN planning to develop NPL into a global premier event |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/10/02/can-planning-to-develop-npl-into-a-global-premier-event |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=The Kathmandu Post}}</ref>

The tournament is held annually between October and December and follows a round-robin format followed by playoffs, where the top teams compete for qualification into the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/can-unveils-annual-sports-calendar-for-2024/ |title=CAN unveils annual sports calendar for 2024 |work=myRepublica |date=8 August 2024 |access-date=9 August 2024}}</ref> Over time, the league has expanded its professional structure with player auctions, salary caps, and franchise ownership models designed to strengthen domestic cricket development in Nepal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/11/29/npl-poised-to-herald-a-new-era-in-nepali-cricket |title=NPL poised to herald a new era in Nepali cricket |work=The Kathmandu Post |access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>

In the inaugural 2024 season, Janakpur Bolts defeated Sudurpaschim Royals in the final to become the first champions of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Janakpur Bolts win inaugural Nepal Premier League title |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/janakpur-bolts-win-inaugural-nepal-premier-league-title |date=21 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026 |website=Cricnepal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NPL 2024 Final Scorecard and Match Report |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1462670.html |access-date=22 April 2026 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the 2025 season, Lumbini Lions claimed their maiden title after beating Sudurpaschim Royals in the final, continuing the league's competitive balance in its early years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lumbini Lions crowned champions as Sudurpaschim fall short again |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/lumbini-lions-crowned-npl-season-2-champions-sudurpaschim-fall-short-again--83-30.html |date=14 December 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026 |website=myRepublica}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NPL 2025 Final Scorecard and Match Report |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1511008.html |access-date=22 April 2026 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

== Background and history == In 2022, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) organised the Nepal T20 League after signing a रु. 330 million agreement with the Indian sports management company Seven3Sports to host a professional Twenty20 league tournament in Nepal for one year. However, the league was marred by several controversies and allegations, including match-fixing and corruption.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal T20 League: CIB says 3 Nepali, 4 foreign players involved in spot-fixing |date=8 January 2023 |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepal-t20-league-cib-fixing.html |work=Online Khabar |access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>

The match between Kathmandu Knights and Biratnagar Super Kings on 3 January 2023 was delayed by two hours after players refused to take the field due to unpaid salaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/delay-in-biratnagar-vs-kathmandu-match-after-a-protest-from-players |title=Delay in Biratnagar vs Kathmandu match after a protest from players |work=Cricnepal |date=3 January 2023 |access-date=12 July 2025}}</ref> Players had been contracted to receive 40% of their payments before the start of the tournament and the remaining 60% during the event. Only players from Pokhara Avengers and Lumbini All Stars had received 50% of their contracted amount, while others had received nothing. The game resumed after CAN officials assured the players that their payments would be processed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Match-fixing, pay issues rock Nepal T20 League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2023/01/04/match-fixing-pay-issues-rock-nepal-t20-league |access-date=10 January 2023 |website=The Kathmandu Post |language=English}}</ref>

On 4 January 2023, the captain of Kathmandu Knights, Gyanendra Malla, revealed that one of his teammates had been approached with a match‑fixing proposal and that the matter had been reported to the tournament's Anti‑Corruption Unit.<ref name="MallaFixing">{{cite web |title=Police arrest two cricketers over T20 spot‑fixing |date=23 January 2023 |url=https://www.nepalminute.com/detail/1669/police-arrest-two-cricketers-over-t20-spot-fixing |access-date=10 January 2025 |work=Nepal Minute}}</ref> The incident was reported to the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit, which subsequently dispatched a team to Nepal to investigate the allegations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepal-t20-league-icc-team-inspect.html |title=Nepal T20 League: ICC team inspects spot-fixing allegations and returns |work=Online Khabar |date=6 January 2023 |access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> The Central Investigation Bureau also formed specialized teams to look into the claims.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=12 players sold at highest price at Nepal Premier League auction |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/10/07/12-players-sold-at-highest-price-at-nepal-premier-league-auction |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=The Kathmandu Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CAN comes up with contradictory statement on fixing |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2023/01/04/can-comes-up-with-contradictory-statement-on-fixing |access-date=10 January 2023 |website=The Kathmandu Post}}</ref> The Bureau's preliminary investigation revealed that three Nepali and four foreign players were under surveillance for suspected spot-fixing. Evidence also suggested that '''Seven3Sports''', the event's management company, was involved in the wrongdoing. As a result, the league was ultimately shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 January 2023 |title=Police investigation reveals 10 people were involved in spot-fixing in Nepal T-20 League |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/police-investigation-reveals-10-people-were-involved-in-spot-fixing-in-nepal-t-20-league |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=myRepublica}}</ref>

===Foundation of the Nepal Premier League=== Following the shutdown of the Nepal T20 League and the Nepal national cricket team's qualification for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, the CAN announced the launch of the Nepal Premier League in January 2024, scheduled for November and December.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAN to organize Nepal Premier League in November and December |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/07/06/can-to-organise-nepal-premier-league-in-november-and-december |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=The Kathmandu Post |language=en-US}}</ref> On 2 August 2024, CAN invited proposals for franchise ownership,<ref>{{cite web |title=CAN issues RFP for Nepal Premier League franchise ownership |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/can-issues-rfp-for-nepal-premier-league-franchise-ownership |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=Cricnepal |date=2 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Request for Proposal (RFP) for Franchise Ownership |url=https://cricketnepal.org.np/press_release/request-for-proposal-rfp-for-franchise-ownership/ |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=Cricket Association of Nepal}}</ref> later confirming that the 2024 Nepal Premier League would feature eight teams, each representing a major city in Nepal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/nepal-premier-league-to-feature-eight-teams |title=Nepal Premier League to feature eight teams |work=Cricnepal |date=29 August 2024 |access-date=30 August 2024}}</ref> This marked an expansion from previous competitions such as Everest Premier League and '''Nepal T20 League''', which featured only six teams.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.khabarhub.com/2024/31/392030/ |title=CAN announces eight franchises for Nepal Premier League |work=Khabarhub |access-date=31 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/can-reveals-eight-team-names-for-nepal-premier-league |title=CAN reveals eight team names for Nepal Premier League |work=Cricnepal |date=31 August 2024 |access-date=31 August 2024}}</ref>

To determine team ownership, CAN held a franchise auction on 5 September 2024. All eight teams were sold through a bidding process for a combined total of रु. 16,88,93,231.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamekhabar.com/owners-of-all-eight-franchises-in-nepal-premier-league-2024/ |title=Owners Of All eight franchises In Nepal Premier League |work=Gamekhabar |date=6 September 2024 |access-date=11 September 2024}}</ref> The franchise representing Pokhara fetched the highest price at रु. 35,700,000, bought by Nepal T20 Cricket Pvt. Ltd. It was followed by the Kathmandu franchise, sold for रु. 33,333,339 to Kantipur Publications. The team representing Karnali received the lowest successful bid of रु. 11,170,000 from Himalayan Builders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://neplays.com/archives/144731 |title=NPL Franchise Teams Sold, Pokhara Fetches Highest Price |work=Neplays |access-date=11 September 2024}}</ref>

==Organization== The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is responsible for the league’s overall functions; it organizes, manages, and runs the league smoothly. As of December 2025, its members included: * Chatur Bahadur Chand – President, CAN * Roshan Kumar Singh – Vice President, CAN * Paras Khadka – Secretary, CAN <ref>{{Cite web |title=Former captain Paras Khadka elected as Secretary of CAN |url=https://english.nepalnews.com/s/sports/former-captain-paras-khadka-elected-as-secretary-of-can/ |date=23 September 2023 |access-date=24 April 2026 |website=Nepal News}}</ref> * Padam Bahadur Khadka – Treasurer, CAN * Jayanti Devi Bhatta – Member * Dhirendra Saud – Member * Durga Raj Pathak – Member

===Prize money=== The 2025 season of the NPL offered total prize money of {{NPRConvert|2.01|c|lk=yes|year=2024}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nepal Premier League 2025 to begin today |url=https://english.khabarhub.com/2025/17/506372/ |date=13 November 2025 |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=Khabarhub}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=एनपीएल विजेतालाई करोडमाथिको पुरस्कार, कारदेखि बाइकसम्मको दाबेदार को-को? |url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2025/12/1827024/npl-winner-to-get-prize-worth-over-rs-10-million-from-cars-to-bikes-who-are-the-contenders |date=13 December 2025 |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=Online Khabar |language=ne}}</ref>

==Squads== A team can acquire players through the annual player auction,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/nepal-premier-league-auction-to-feature-142-players |title=Nepal Premier League auction to feature 142 players |work=Cricnepal |date=2 October 2024 |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref> personally signing overseas players,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nplt20league.com/blog/nepal-premier-league-npl-2025-teams-captains-list-all-8-teams-players-foreign-stars/ |title=Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 Teams & Captains List {{!}} All 8 Teams, Players & Foreign Stars |work=NPL T20 League |date=5 November 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> and picking up unsold players from the auction as replacements for those who are unavailable.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/nepal-premier-league-auction-everything-you-need-to-know |title=Nepal Premier League auction: Everything you need to know |work=Cricnepal |date=5 October 2024 |access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref> Teams operate under a salary cap.

===Marquee player=== Each Nepal Premier League (NPL) team is assigned one marquee player through a random draw system.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wicketnepal.com/2024/09/8-marquee-players-in-nepal-premier-league-to-earn-npr-2-million-find-out-which-player-represents-which-team/ |title=8 Marquee Players in Nepal Premier League to Earn NPR 2 Million |work=Wicket Nepal |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> The allocation is fixed for a three-year cycle, after which a new draw takes place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ekantipur.com/sports/2024/09/14/en/eight-marquee-players-announced-53-37.html |title=Eight marquee players announced |work=Ekantipur |date=14 September 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> This system is intended to maintain competitive balance, though it limits franchise control over top player selection.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/why-the-lucky-draw-system-in-the-nepal-premier-league-misses-the-mark |title=NPL marquee player draft system explained |work=Cricnepal |date=15 September 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

===Player acquisition=== For the 2025 NPL season, the total budget for each team for auction was {{NPRConvert|90|l}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=एनपीएलको अक्सनमा बढीमा ९० लाख खर्च गर्न पाउने |trans-title=A maximum of 9 million can be spent on NPL auction |url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2024/10/1550048/a-maximum-of-90-lakhs-can-be-spent-on-npl-auctions |access-date=5 October 2024 |work=Online Khabar |language=ne}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal Premier League kicks-off today |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/index.php/news/npl-kicks-off-today-674a55ecd0cb7.html |date=30 November 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026 |work=myRepublica}}</ref> Each squad must have a squad of 16 players, with the opportunity of signing up to six foreign players.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://homeoft20.com/npl-gets-green-flag-from-icc-but-there-are-big-changes/ |title=NPL gets green flag from ICC: But there are big changes |work=Home of T20 cricket |date=24 October 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://crickexipl.com/nepal-premier-league-npl-2024-player-signing-update/ |title=Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024: Foreign Players Signings Updates {{!}} NPL Role & Challenges |work=Crickex |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> <!-- ==== Auction ==== Before the auction, franchises are allowed to retain a limited number of players from their previous season squad. Retention rules are announced prior to each auction and may vary by season. Salaries of retained players are deducted from the team's salary cap.

Players not retained enter the auction pool along with new registered players.

Each player sets a base price, and franchises bid for them during the auction. The highest bidding franchise secures the player, and the final bid becomes the player's season salary.

Unsold players may later be signed as replacement players during the tournament, subject to league approval.

In some seasons, a mega auction format may be introduced where franchises must release a larger portion of their squads to ensure parity.<ref>{{cite web |title=NPL Player Auction Guidelines |url=https://www.can.gov.np |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nepal Premier League introduces franchise-based auction system |work=The Kathmandu Post |url=https://kathmandupost.com |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Contracts and salaries === NPL contracts operate under a salary cap system defined by the league each season. Franchises must build squads within their allocated budget.

Key rules: * Fixed salary cap per franchise per season * Minimum spending requirement (varies by season) * Short-term contracts (season-based) * Overseas players paid under separate regulated agreements * Domestic players primarily earn through auction or retention value

Contracts typically last for one season but may be extended by franchise agreement and league approval.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAN Domestic Cricket Structure – Franchise Regulations |url=https://www.cricketnepal.org.np |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news |title=How Nepal's franchise cricket system is evolving |work=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> -->

== Teams == The league has eight teams based in provinces and cities across Nepal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2024 |title=Eight teams announced for Nepal Premier League |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/eight-teams-announced-for-nepal-premier-league/ |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=myRepublica}}</ref><ref name="tkp"/> The franchise, known as Kathmandu Gurkhas in 2024, was renamed Kathmandu Gorkhas in 2026 to better reflect Nepal's roots, according to franchise CEO Suraj Singh Thakuri.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2025 |title=Kathmandu Gorkhas rebrand for bigger impact in NPL Season 2 |url=https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2025/07/24/kathmandu-gorkhas-rebrand-for-bigger-impact-in-npl-season-2 |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=The Kathmandu Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2025 |title=Kathmandu Gorkhas Unveil New Identity for NPL Season 2 |url=https://wicketnepal.com/2025/07/kathmandu-gorkhas-unveil-new-identity-for-npl-season-2/ |access-date=21 April 2026 |website=Wicket Nepal}}</ref>

{{Location map+|Nepal|width=500|float=center|caption=All 8 NPL teams in the provinces/cities they are based in|places= {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|26|27|N|87|16|E}}|position=top|mark=orange pog.svg |label=Biratnagar Kings}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|27|41|N|84|26|E}}|position=left|mark=blue pog.svg |label=Chitwan Rhinos}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|26|43|N|85|55|E}}|position=right |label=Janakpur Bolts}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|28|36|N|81|38|E}}|position=right|mark=red pog.svg |label=Karnali Yaks}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|27|42|N|85|18|E}}|position=top|mark=Dark_Green_004040_pog.svg |label=Kathmandu Gorkhas}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|27|28|N|83|16|E}}|position=bottom|mark=yellow pog.svg |label=Lumbini Lions}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|28|12|N|83|59|E}}|position=left|mark=pink pog.svg |label=Pokhara Avengers}} {{Location map~|Nepal|coordinates={{coord|28|42|N|80|34|E}}|position=top|mark=purple pog.svg |label=Sudurpaschim Royals}} }} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%" |- !colspan="2"| Team ! City ! Debut ! Captain ! Head coach<ref>{{Cite web |author=Prateek Bhatta |date=14 November 2025 |title=Meet the dynamic head coaches guiding teams into NPL’s second edition |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/meet-the-head-coaches-npl.html |access-date=26 April 2026 |website=Online Khabar}}</ref> ! Owner(s) ! Auction bid ! {{tooltip|Ref.|References}} |- | style="background:#000080;" | ! Biratnagar Kings | Biratnagar, Koshi Province | rowspan="8" style=text-align:center; | 2024 Edition | Sandeep Lamichhane | Dhammika Prasad | M.A.D. Dream Sports | {{NPRConvert|1.51|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners">{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/franchise-auction-confirms-owners-for-all-eight-teams-in-nepal-premier-league |title=Franchise auction confirms owners for all eight teams in Nepal Premier League |work=Cricnepal |date=5 September 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> |- | style="background:#FFA500;" | ! Chitwan Rhinos | Bharatpur, Bagmati Province | Kushal Malla | Kalam Ali | Chitwan Medical College | {{NPRConvert|1.76|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |- | style="background:#FF69B4;" | ! Janakpur Bolts | Janakpur, Madhesh Province | Wayne Parnell | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | Dream Sports | {{NPRConvert|2.05|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |- | style="background:#2635CC;" | ! Karnali Yaks | Birendranagar, Karnali Province | Sompal Kami | Gyanendra Malla | Himalayan Builders | {{NPRConvert|1.11|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |- | style="background:#40E0D0;" | ! Kathmandu Gorkhas | Kathmandu, Bagmati Province | Karan KC | Monty Desai | Kathmandu Sports Development Venture | {{NPRConvert|3.33|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |- | style="background:#FF0000;" | ! Lumbini Lions | Siddharthanagar, Lumbini Province | Rohit Paudel | Tinu Yohannan | Fortuna Health Care | {{NPRConvert|1.86|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |- | style="background:#DC143C;" | ! Pokhara Avengers | Pokhara, Gandaki Province | Kushal Bhurtel | Rajiv Kumar | Nepal T20 Cricket Pvt. Ltd. | {{NPRConvert|3.57|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |- | style="background:#FFFF00;" | ! Sudurpaschim Royals | Dhangadhi, Sudurpashchim Province | Dipendra Singh Airee | Jagat Tamata | Empire Sports | {{NPRConvert|1.68|c|lk=yes}} | <ref name="owners"/> |}

== Finals == {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align: center;" ! rowspan="2" |Season (No. of teams) ! colspan="4" |Final ! rowspan="2" |Player of the season ! rowspan="2" |{{tooltip|Ref.|References}} |- !Winner !Result !Runner-up !Venue |- !2024 (8) | Janakpur Bolts {{nobr|185/5 (19.2 overs)}} | '''Janakpur Bolts won by 5 wickets''' [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1462670.html Scorecard] | Sudurpaschim Royals 184/9 (20 overs) |rowspan=2|Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur | Saif Zaib (Sudurpaschim Royals) | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/janakpur-bolts-win-inaugural-nepal-premier-league-title |title=Janakpur Bolts win inaugural Nepal Premier League title |work=Cricnepal |date=21 December 2024 |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref>,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ekantipur.com/sports/2024/12/21/en/which-player-won-which-award-in-npl-37-28.html |title=Which player won which award in NPL? |work=Ekantipur |date=21 December 2024 |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref> |- !2025 (8) | Lumbini Lions {{nobr|86/4 (9 overs)}} |'''Lumbini Lions won by 6 wickets''' [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1511008.html Scorecard] | Sudurpaschim Royals 85 (19.1 overs) | Ruben Trumpelmann (Lumbini Lions) | <ref>{{cite web |url= https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/lumbini-lions-crowned-npl-season-2-champions-sudurpaschim-fall-short-again--83-30.html |title=Lumbini Lions crowned NPL season 2 champions, Sudurpaschim fall short again in final |work=myRepublica |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref>,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.namibian.com.na/trumpelmann-stars-in-nepal-premier-league/ |title=Trumpelmann stars in Nepal Premier League |work=The Namibian |date=15 December 2025 |access-date=30 March 2026}}</ref> |- !2026 | | | | | | |}

== Performance by team == ===Seasons=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- !|Season (No. of teams) !2024 (8) !2025 (8) |- | align=left| Biratnagar Kings | 6th | style="background: #cfc"|PO |- | align="left" | Chitwan Rhinos | style="background: #cfc"|PO | 7th |- | align="left" | Janakpur Bolts | style="background: gold"|'''C''' | 8th |- | align="left" | Kathmandu Gorkhas | 5th | style="background: #cfc"|PO |- | align="left" | Karnali Yaks | style="background: #cfc"| PO | 6th |- | align="left" | Lumbini Lions | 8th | style="background: gold"|'''C''' |- | align="left" | Pokhara Avengers | 7th | 5th |- | align="left" | Sudurpaschim Royals | style="background: silver |RU | style="background: silver |RU |- |} *Teams have been listed alphabetically. * {{color box|border=darkgray|gold}} '''C''': Champions * {{color box|border=darkgray|silver}} RU: Runner-up * {{color box|border=darkgray|cfc}} PO: Team qualified for the playoff stage of the competition

===All time standings=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- ! rowspan="2"|Teams ! colspan="3"|Appearances ! rowspan="2"|Best result ! colspan="5"|Statistics |- !Total !First !Latest !Played !Won !Lost !NR !Win% |- | align="left" | Janakpur Bolts | rowspan="8" style=text-align:center; | 2 | rowspan="8" style=text-align:center; | 2024 | rowspan="8" style=text-align:center; | 2025 | style="background: gold" | '''Champions''' (2024) | 17 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 47.05 |- | align="left" | Lumbini Lions | style="background: gold" | '''Champions''' (2025) | 17 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 47.05 |- | align="left" | Sudurpaschim Royals | style="background: silver | '''Runners-up''' (2024, 2025) | 18 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 77.77 |- | align=left| Biratnagar Kings | Qualifier 2 (2025) | 16 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 43.75 |- | align="left" | Karnali Yaks | Qualifier 2 (2024) | 16 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 43.75 |- | align="left" | Kathmandu Gorkhas | Eliminator (2025) | 15 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 60.00 |- | align="left" | Chitwan Rhinos | Eliminator (2024) | 15 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 40.00 |- | align="left" | Pokhara Avengers | {{nobr|League Stage}} (2024, 2025) | 14 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 28.57 |- |} * {{hatnote|Teams are sorted by best result, then winning percentage, then (if equal) by alphabetical order.}}

== Records and statistics== A summary of the most notable statistical records associated with the tournament is provided below.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/nepal-premier-league-1078 |title=Nepal Premier League Records |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 December 2024}}</ref>

{{updated|13 December 2025}} [[File:Rohit-Paudel-Pic.jpg|thumb|200px|Rohit Paudel is the highest run-scorer in NPL.]] [[File:Scott Kuggeleijn.jpg|thumb|200px|Scott Kuggeleijn is the highest wicket-taker in NPL.]]

{| class="wikitable" |- ! colspan="3" | Batting records |- | Most runs | Rohit Paudel (Lumbini Lions) | 555 |- | Highest score | Mark Watt (Karnali Yaks) | 114* vs Lumbini Lions (22 November 2025) |- | Highest partnership | Dinesh Kharel & Andries Gous (Pokhara Avengers) | 176* vs Lumbini Lions (6 December 2024) |- | Most centuries | Andries Gous (Pokhara Avengers) Mark Watt (Karnali Yaks) Adam Rossington (Pokhara Avengers) | (1 each) |- | Most runs in Season | Adam Rossington (Pokhara Avengers) | 323 (2025) |- |}

{| class="wikitable" ! colspan="3" | Bowling records |- | Most wickets | Scott Kuggeleijn (Sudurpaschim Royals) | 27 |- |rowspan="2" | Most wickets in a season | Scott Kuggeleijn (Sudurpaschim Royals) Lalit Rajbanshi (Janakpur Bolts) | 17 (2024) |- | Sandeep Lamichhane (Biratnagar Kings) Sher Malla (Lumbini Lions) Abinash Bohara (Sudurpaschim Royals) | 17 (2025) |- |}

{| class="wikitable" ! colspan="3" | Fielding records |- | Most dismissals (wicket-keeper) | Binod Bhandari (Sudurpaschim Royals) | 14 |- | Most catches (fielder) | Anil Sah (Janakpur Bolts) | 14 |}

{| class="wikitable" ! colspan="3" | Team records |- | Highest total | Biratnagar Kings | 220/6 vs Pokhara Avengers (18 November 2025) |- | Lowest total | Janakpur Bolts | 51/10 vs Sudurpaschim Royals (11 December 2024) |}

* Source: Records extracted from [https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/nepal-premier-league-1078 ESPNcricinfo].

{{hatnote|Although matches were played using standard Twenty20 formats, players' statistics were not included in their official records because Nepal is not a full member of the International Cricket Council.}}

==End-of-season awards== ===Prize money=== Starting with the 2024 season, the distribution of the prize money is as follows:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.himalpress.com/npl-winner-to-get-rs-11-million-cash-prize/ |title=NPL winner to get Rs 11 million cash prize |work=Himal Press |date=17 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/npl-winners-to-receive-rs-11-million-prize.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207001300/https://english.onlinekhabar.com/npl-winners-to-receive-rs-11-million-prize.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 December 2025 |title=NPL winners to receive Rs 11 million prize |work=Online Khabar |date=17 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> * Winning team: रू 1.1 crore (US$81,000) * Runner-up team: रू 51 lakh (US$38,000) * Third-place team: रू 25 lakh (US$18,000) * Fourth-place team: रू 15 lakh (US$11,000)

=== MCC Spirit of Cricket Award === The '''MCC Nepal Premier League Spirit of Cricket Award''' was introduced in the Nepal Premier League from its second season following a collaboration between the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/71864 |title=NPL: Spirit of Cricket Award to be presented |work=The Rising Nepal |date=29 November 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> The award is presented to the franchise that best upholds values such as fair play, respect, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporatekhabar.com/can-and-mcc-to-present-spirit-of-cricket-award-to-franchises-in-npl/ |title=क्यान र एमसीसीले एनपीएलमा फ्रेन्चाइजीलाई स्पिरिट अफ क्रिकेट अवार्ड दिने |work=Corporate Khabar |date=29 November 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Platinum Cap === The '''Platinum Cap''' is awarded to the highest run-scorer at the end of each '''Nepal Premier League''' season. It remains an ongoing competition during the tournament, with the leading batter holding the distinction before the final standings are confirmed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.deshsanchar.com/npl-2024-full-list-of-winners-and-awardees/ |title=NPL 2024 Full List of Winners and Awardees |work=Desh Sanchar |date=22 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Golden Cap === The '''Golden Cap''' is awarded to the leading wicket-taker in a '''Nepal Premier League''' season. Similar to other franchise leagues, it recognizes the most successful bowler across the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2024/12/1590092/npl-who-won-what-awards |title=एनपीएलमा कसले के अवार्ड पाए ? |work=Online Khabar |language=ne |date=15 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Most Valuable Player === The '''Most Valuable Player''' award is presented to the best overall performer in the '''Nepal Premier League''', based on batting, bowling, and overall match impact.<ref name="osnepal">{{cite web |url=https://www.osnepalnews.com/nepal-premier-league-npl-season-2-award-winners |title=Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 Award Winners |work=OS Nepal News |date=18 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Emerging Player Award === The '''Emerging Player Award''' is given to a young cricketer who shows exceptional promise and performance during the '''Nepal Premier League''' season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.arthakendra.com/news/2266 |title=Nepal Premier League: List of Winners and Their Achievements |work=Artha Kendra |date=21 December 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Energetic Player Award === The '''Energetic Player Award''' recognizes a player who demonstrates outstanding energy, enthusiasm, and overall impact throughout the '''Nepal Premier League''' season.<ref name="osnepal"/>

== Finances == === Title sponsorship === {| class="wikitable floatright" |+ Title sponsorship fees |- !Sponsor !Period !Estimated annual sponsorship fee |- |Siddhartha Bank |2024–2028 |{{NPRConvert|20|c|0}}<ref name="wn">{{cite web |title=Siddhartha Bank Becomes Title Sponsor for Nepal Premier League (NPL) |work=Wicket Nepal |url=https://wicketnepal.com/2024/11/siddhartha-bank-becomes-title-sponsor-for-nepal-premier-league-npl/ |date=16 November 2024 |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref> |- |}

Siddhartha Bank was announced as the title sponsor of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) ahead of its inaugural season in 2024, after signing a landmark five-year agreement with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).<ref name="wn"/><ref>{{cite news |date=16 November 2024 |title=Siddhartha Bank named title sponsor of Nepal Premier League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2024/11/16/siddhartha-bank-named-title-sponsor-of-nepal-premier-league |work=The Kathmandu Post |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref> The deal, described as a record-breaking sponsorship agreement in Nepali sports, granted naming rights to the competition, officially branding it as the '''Siddhartha Bank Nepal Premier League''', and was agreed for a five-year period from 2024 to 2029.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 November 2024 |title=Siddhartha Bank Limited Becomes Main Sponsor of Nepal Premier League for 2024-2029 |url=https://www.sharesansar.com/newsdetail/siddhartha-bank-limited-becomes-main-sponsor-of-nepal-premier-league-for-2024-2029-2024-11-18 |website=Share Sansar |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 November 2024 |title=Siddhartha Bank joins NPL 2024 as main sponsor for 5 years |url=https://www.b360nepal.com/detail/23849/siddhartha-bank-joins-npl-2024-as-main-sponsor-for-5-years |website=Business 360 |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref> Although the exact financial terms were not officially disclosed, reports indicated that the agreement represented the highest-ever investment in Nepali sports, with estimates suggesting a total commitment of around NPR 20 crore over five years, aimed at supporting the development and commercial growth of cricket in Nepal.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 November 2024 |title=Siddhartha Bank Secures Nepal Premier League Sponsorship |url=https://cricfit.com/siddhartha-bank-secures-nepal-premier-league-sponsorship/ |website=Cricfit |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 April 2026 |title=Siddhartha Bank title-sponsored Nepal Premier League live on Star Sports |url=https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/52038 |work=The Rising Nepal |access-date=21 April 2026}}</ref>

== Media and broadcasting == The Cricket Association of Nepal officially announced its television rights partnership with Star Sports<ref>{{Cite web |title=CAN grants Star Sports the right to broadcast Nepal Premier League |url=https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2024/11/15/can-grants-star-sports-the-right-to-broadcast-nepal-premier-league |access-date=15 November 2024 |website=The Kathmandu Post}}</ref> and its OTT rights to DishHome for the second season.<ref>{{cite web |title=DishHome GO: Official OTT Platform For NPL Season 2 |url=https://ictframe.com/dishhome-go-official-ott-platform/ |date=19 November 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026 |work=ICT Frame}}</ref>

=== List of broadcasters (2025 Season)=== The league was broadcast live on the following channels:<ref>{{cite web |title=Where to Watch Nepal Premier League 2025 Live: Full TV and Streaming Guide |url=https://cricketgully.com/cricket-news/where-to-watch-nepal-premier-league-2025-live-full-tv-and-streaming-guide-9903 |date=17 November 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026 |website=Cricket Gully}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nepal Premier League, where to watch live: TV channels, streaming and live score for NPL 2025 |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/nepal-premier-league-where-to-watch-live-tv-channels-streaming-and-live-score-for-npl-2025 |date=10 December 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026 |website=Wisden}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" !Country !TV !Internet !{{tooltip|Ref.|References}} |- |Nepal |Star Sports Kantipur Max |DishHome Go |<ref>{{cite web |title=NPL 2025 match live on DishHome Go |url=https://english.makalukhabar.com/catch-every-npl-2025-match-live-on-dishhome-go/ |access-date=19 November 2025 |work=Makalu Khabar}}</ref>,<ref>{{cite web |title=NPL live broadcast from Kantipur Max |url=https://ekantipur.com/sports/2025/11/16/en/npl-live-broadcast-from-kantipur-max-35-08.html |access-date=19 November 2025 |website=Ekantipur}}</ref> |- |India |rowspan="5" |Star Sports |FanCode |<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Sports to broadcast Nepal Premier League 2025; CAN revises TV Rights Terms |url=https://www.cricnepal.com/star-sports-to-broadcast-nepal-premier-league-2025-can-revises-tv-rights-terms |access-date=19 November 2025 |work=Cricnepal}}</ref>,<ref>{{cite web |title=नेपाल प्रिमियर लिग: भारतमा फ्यानकोड युट्युब च्यानलमार्फत हेर्न सकिने |url=https://techpana.com/2024/148659/nepal-premier-league-cricket-live-streaming-fancode |date=23 November 2024 |access-date=22 April 2026 |website=Tech Pana |language=ne}}</ref> |- |Bangladesh |rowspan="4" |None |rowspan="4" |<ref>{{cite web |author=Mukesh Dahal |date=12 December 2025 |title=How to Watch NPL 2025 Live Free and Paid Options Explained |url=https://ilovemithila.com.np/how-to-watch-npl-2025/ |access-date=22 April 2026 |work=ILM Post}}</ref> |- |Bhutan |- |Sri Lanka |- |Maldives |- |Middle East |rowspan="2" |None |rowspan="2" |DishHome Go |rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web |author=Khel Chirfar |title=The second edition of NPL matches can now be watched live on the 'DishHome Go' app, how much will you have to pay? |url=https://npl.bajarkochirfar.com/news/891.html |date=19 November 2025 |access-date=22 April 2026 |work=Bajar ko Chirfar}}</ref> |- |Rest of the World |}

==See also== * Cricket in Nepal * Nepal national cricket team * Sports in Nepal – An overview of sports culture in Nepal * Prime Minister Cup

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *[https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/nepal-premier-league-1078 Tournament home] on ESPNcricinfo

category:Nepal Premier League category:Professional sports leagues in Nepal category:Professional cricket leagues category:Twenty20 cricket leagues category:Sports leagues established in 2024 category:2024 establishments in Nepal category:Nepalese domestic cricket competitions category:Sport in Nepal