The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is a professional men’s Twenty20 cricket competition organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Launched in 2024, the tournament gives Nepalese cricketers an opportunity to compete alongside international players while helping the country’s cricket scene attract more attention. The league features eight franchise teams representing different cities and regions, with matches played in front of local supporters and cricket fans.
The competition has already produced two different champions, with Janakpur Bolts winning the inaugural season in 2024 and Lumbini Lions lifting their first trophy in 2025. The third edition is scheduled to take place from October 26 to November 21, 2026, with all matches set to be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
What Is the Nepal Premier League?
The NPL is a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament managed by the Cricket Association of Nepal. It was introduced to provide a more structured domestic competition, create opportunities for emerging Nepalese players and bring experienced international cricketers into the country’s cricket system.
Each team builds its squad through a combination of Nepalese players and overseas signings. The competition has attracted international names such as Shikhar Dhawan, Martin Guptill, Faf du Plessis, Chris Lynn and Jason Roy across its early editions, giving local players the chance to share the field with cricketers who have played in major international tournaments and T20 leagues.
The league is also important for Nepalese cricket because it gives domestic players more chances to perform under pressure, play in front of larger crowds and gain experience in a professional franchise environment.
History of the Nepal Premier League
The first edition of the NPL was held in 2024, marking the start of a new chapter for franchise cricket in Nepal. Eight teams competed in the inaugural tournament, which concluded with the Janakpur Bolts winning the final against the Sudurpaschim Royals.
The Bolts chased a target of 185, finishing on 185/5 in 19.2 overs to win by five wickets. Lahiru Milantha played a major role in the chase with 87 runs from 49 balls, while Aasif Sheikh added 33 from 19 deliveries. The victory made Janakpur the first champions in the league’s history.
The second season took place in November and December 2025, with the same eight franchises returning for another campaign. Lumbini Lions won the title after defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in the final on December 13. Sudurpaschim were bowled out for 85, and Lumbini reached 86/4 in just nine overs to secure their first championship.
The third edition is scheduled for October and November 2026. Lumbini Lions enter the tournament as defending champions, while the other seven franchises will aim to take the trophy away from them.
Nepal Premier League Winners List
The Nepal Premier League has crowned two different champions across its first two seasons.
| Season | Champions | Runners-up | Final result |
| 2024 | Janakpur Bolts | Sudurpaschim Royals | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | Lumbini Lions | Sudurpaschim Royals | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2026 | To be decided | To be decided | Final scheduled for November 21 |
Janakpur Bolts won the first title in 2024, while Lumbini Lions became the second team to lift the trophy in 2025. Sudurpaschim Royals have reached the final in both completed seasons but have yet to win the championship.
The 2026 final is scheduled for November 21, when the third NPL champion will be decided.
Nepal Premier League Teams
The competition features eight franchises, each representing a different city or region of Nepal. All eight teams are scheduled to return for the 2026 season.
1. Biratnagar Kings
Biratnagar Kings represent Biratnagar and compete in the NPL with a squad made up of domestic and overseas players. The franchise has featured Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and international batters in its line-ups. Lamichhane was among the leading wicket-takers in the 2025 edition, finishing with 17 wickets.
2. Chitwan Rhinos
Chitwan Rhinos represent the Chitwan region and are one of the league’s eight original franchises. The team has featured Nepalese players such as Kushal Malla and Dev Khanal, alongside overseas recruits. They return in 2026 looking to challenge for their first NPL title.
3. Janakpur Bolts
Janakpur Bolts made history by winning the inaugural NPL season in 2024. Their five-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals was built around Lahiru Milantha’s 87-run innings, making the franchise the first team to lift the trophy. Janakpur remain one of the league’s key teams as they seek another championship.
4. Karnali Yaks
Karnali Yaks represent the Karnali region and provide a platform for Nepalese players to compete with international recruits. The franchise has included players such as Sompal Kami and Gulshan Jha, as well as overseas cricketers. The Yaks will aim to turn their experience from the first two seasons into a stronger title challenge.
5. Kathmandu Gorkhas
Kathmandu Gorkhas represent the country’s capital and have featured Nepalese cricketers alongside overseas players. Their previous squads have included Karan KC and Bhim Sharki, with international recruits adding depth to the batting and bowling line-ups. The franchise will compete again in the 2026 season.
6. Lumbini Lions
Lumbini Lions became NPL champions for the first time in 2025 after beating Sudurpaschim Royals in a one-sided final. Captain Rohit Paudel and the bowling attack played important roles in their title-winning campaign, while Ruben Trumpelmann was named Player of the Match in the final. The Lions will enter the 2026 competition as defending champions.
7. Pokhara Avengers
Pokhara Avengers represent Pokhara and have brought overseas batting talent into the competition. Their 2025 squad included Adam Rossington, who finished the season as the leading run-scorer with 323 runs, including a century. His performances gave the franchise one of the most productive batting campaigns of that edition.
8. Sudurpaschim Royals
Sudurpaschim Royals reached the final in both 2024 and 2025, making them one of the most consistent teams in the league’s early history. They lost the inaugural final to Janakpur Bolts before falling to Lumbini Lions in the 2025 decider. The Royals will look to convert another strong campaign into their first championship in 2026.
Nepal Premier League Format
The NPL follows a T20 format, with each team playing a group of league matches before the leading sides advance to the playoffs.
The 2026 edition is scheduled to feature 32 matches involving eight teams. Each franchise will play the other seven teams once in a single round-robin league stage, producing 28 league matches. The top four teams will then qualify for the playoffs.
The playoff stage follows a format designed to give the top two teams an additional opportunity to reach the final:
- Qualifier 1: The first- and second-placed teams meet, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
- Eliminator: The third- and fourth-placed teams play, with the losing team knocked out.
- Qualifier 2: The loser of Qualifier 1 faces the winner of the Eliminator for the second final spot.
- Final: The two remaining teams compete for the NPL championship.
The 2026 league stage is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 15, with the playoffs taking place from November 17 to 21.
Nepal Premier League 2026 Season
The 2026 edition is the third season of the NPL and is scheduled to begin on October 26. The tournament will run until November 21, with all 32 matches set to take place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Defending champions Lumbini Lions are scheduled to face Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match. The fixture will be a repeat of the 2025 final, giving the Royals an early chance to challenge the reigning champions.
The eight participating teams are:
- Biratnagar Kings
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Janakpur Bolts
- Karnali Yaks
- Kathmandu Gorkhas
- Lumbini Lions
- Pokhara Avengers
- Sudurpaschim Royals
The 2026 schedule includes 28 league matches and four playoff matches. The top four teams will progress to the knockout stage, with the final scheduled for November 21. As the season has not started as of October 21, 2026, the defending champions remain the Lumbini Lions, and the next winner is yet to be decided.
Nepal Premier League Venues
The NPL has used the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur as its main venue. The ground is located near Kathmandu and has hosted matches from the league’s first two editions.
All 32 matches of the 2026 edition are also scheduled to take place at this venue. Floodlights installed ahead of the 2025 season allowed the tournament to stage day-night matches, giving fans more opportunities to watch the competition in the evening.
Nepal Premier League Records
The league’s first two seasons have already produced notable batting and bowling performances, with overseas players and Nepalese internationals making an impact.
Most Runs in NPL History
Rohit Paudel of Lumbini Lions has scored 555 runs across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, making him the leading run-scorer in the league’s early history. Adam Rossington of Pokhara Avengers was the leading batter in the 2025 season, scoring 323 runs, including a century.
Most Wickets in NPL History
Scott Kuggeleijn of Sudurpaschim Royals has taken 27 wickets across the first two editions, making him the leading wicket-taker in the league’s early record books. The 2025 season also saw Sandeep Lamichhane, Abinash Bohara and Sher Malla finish with 17 wickets each.
Highest Team Total
Biratnagar Kings recorded a total of 220/6 against Pokhara Avengers in the 2025 season, setting the highest team total listed in the league’s records through its first two editions.
Highest Individual Score in a Season
Mark Watt of Karnali Yaks scored an unbeaten 114 in the 2025 edition, giving him the highest individual score recorded in a single NPL innings across the first two seasons.
NPL Champions
Janakpur Bolts and Lumbini Lions have each won one title. Sudurpaschim Royals have been runners-up twice, reaching the final in both 2024 and 2025 but losing on each occasion.
Nepal Premier League at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Nepal Premier League |
| Abbreviation | NPL |
| Organiser | Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) |
| First season | 2024 |
| Format | Men’s T20 franchise cricket |
| Number of teams | 8 |
| 2024 champions | Janakpur Bolts |
| 2025 champions | Lumbini Lions |
| Defending champions | Lumbini Lions |
| Main venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| 2026 season dates | October 26–November 21, 2026 |
| 2026 final | Scheduled for November 21, 2026 |
FAQs
Q. What is the NPL?
A. The NPL is a men’s T20 franchise cricket competition organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal.
Q. Who won the first NPL title?
A. Janakpur Bolts won the inaugural title in 2024.
Q. Who won the NPL in 2025?
A. Lumbini Lions won their first title in 2025 by beating Sudurpaschim Royals in the final.
Q. How many teams play in the NPL?
A. Eight teams compete in the NPL.
Q. When does the NPL 2026 start?
A. The 2026 season is scheduled to start on October 26, 2026.
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