BY BIBEK SHRESTHA, Kathmandu, Oct. 26: The third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is set to record a new chapter in Nepali cricket at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday, with the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS), official List A status, increased prize money and revised match timings.
The tournament will open with a high-stakes clash between defending champions Lumbini Lions led by Rohit Paudel and two-time runners-up, Sudurpaschim Royals, captained by Dipendra Singh Airee.
Alongside Lumbini Lions and Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Karnali Yaks, Chitwan Rhinos and Janakpur Bolts are competing to be the champion of Nepal Premier League 3.
This time they will be vying for a title worth Rs. 15 million. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Sunday announced the increased prize money for the top four teams.
During a press conference held at the venue on Sunday, a day before the league’s opening match, CAN Treasurer Padam Bahadur Khadka said the champions will receive Rs. 15 million, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs. 8 million. The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs. 4 million and Rs. 3 million, respectively.
The prize pool marks an increase from the second edition, when the champions received Rs. 11 million, the runners-up Rs. 5.1 million, the third-placed team Rs. 2.5 million while the fourth-placed team Rs. 1.5 million.
Khadka informed that the prize money had been increased based on the rise in NPL’s revenue.
According to Khadka, gross tournament revenues are expected to hit Rs. 1.5 billion, driven by Rs. 200 million from sponsorships and an estimated Rs. 700 to 750 million from ticket sales. NPL-3 had already generated Rs. 335 million from the media and ticketing rights.
“Throughout the one-month tournament, we expect that NPL’s gross revenue will reach Rs. 1.5 billion.”
CAN President Chatur Bahadur Chand highlighted the league’s potential economic contribution, recalling the economic impact of last year’s Gen Z protests.
“Although the protests were politically significant, they resulted in a major economic setback. The second edition of the franchise league helped revive economic activity in Nepal, and I am hopeful that this edition, with projected transactions worth Rs. 1.5 billion, will contribute to economic prosperity, particularly as the country recovers from devastating flash floods,” Chand said.
Ticket prices have been set at Rs. 500 for general seating and Rs. 1,000 for premium seating during the group stage. Prices will increase during the knockout stage, with general tickets costing Rs. 1,000 and premium tickets Rs. 1,500.
Security has been a top priority during the tournament, with more than 1,000 police personnel set to be deployed daily at the TU Cricket Stadium to ensure the safety of players, officials and spectators.
Police will use CCTV cameras, drones, sniffer dogs and plainclothes officers as part of the security arrangements. CCTV cameras have already been installed around the stadium, with personnel monitoring the area. Footage from cameras at other locations will be monitored from the police control room.
Special security arrangements will also be put in place for VIP and VVIP movements during the opening and closing ceremonies. The Armed Police Force will support Nepal Police by providing security outside the stadium.
With international players joining the competition, the introduction of DRS and the tournament’s official List A status, the third edition of the NPL is expected to further raise the profile of Nepali cricket. The league will also be closely watched for its potential to generate economic activity through sponsorships, ticket sales and related business opportunities.
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