First ever Nepal Premier League (NPL) Cricket is all set to commence from May 14 in Dhangadi. After cancellation of two days format due to scorching weather, the 50 over match will be first held at Falpa ground of Kailali District from May 14, and the Twenty20 to follow from June 4 at TU stadium, Kirtipur.
Six corporate houses are known to participate in the league which is organized by Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and managed by Zohra Sports Management (ZSM). All the six teams are led by National cricket team heroes. The six teams are Kantipur Gurkhas, Vishal Group Warriors, Jagadamba Giants, Sagarmatha Legends, Tej and Colors X Factors, which are owned by big names in business houses Kantipur Media Group, Vishal Group, Shankar Groups, Ghorahi Cements, Panchakanya Group and Teletalk Pvt. Ltd.
Basanta Regmi leads Kantipur Gukhras whereas Paras Khadka is the captain of Vishal Warriors. Similarly Shakti Gauchan leads Jagadamba Giants, Binod Bhandari for Sagarmatha legends, Sharad Veswakar for Tej and Gyanendra Malla captains Colors X Factor.
Despite the shortage of cricket stadiums, we are holding this first edition of NPL, a National Cricket Tournament in two formats (ODI and T20). It is obvious that this short of events will help the growth of Nepali Cricket, filling the gap of domestic cricket tournament.
Winners for each format are known to get Rs 200,000 (which is not that hefty sum but is nice to start with). Ncell is the sole sponsor of the Tournament which has made a deal for 2 years.
Here is the schedule of the NPL match from May 14 to May 22 at Falpa Ground, Kailali.
Click to enlarge.
