The Nepal Premier League (NPL) is carving out a unique space in the global Twenty20 cricket landscape.Staged in the shadow of the Himalayas,the league leverages Nepal’s passionate fanbase,distinctive geography,and welcoming culture to attract players and viewers alike. The inaugural season, held late last year, offered a novel experience for both local and international participants.

Altitude Advantage: sixes That Soar

Playing at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground near Kathmandu, situated 1,350 meters above sea level, presented unique challenges and advantages.Dan Douthwaite, a Glamorgan all-rounder who played for the kathmandu Gurkhas, noted the impact of the altitude on the ball’s trajectory.

I thought I was going to be constantly out of breath or struggling, but it wasn’t actually as bad as I thought it was going to be. I think I noticed it more so with sixes. When they got the ball it absolutely went miles. A lot of balls … kept going and going and going. When you think you’ve hit one straight up and it’s a 70-metre six.

The thinner air allowed the ball to travel farther, turning well-struck shots into towering sixes.

Fan Frenzy: Cricket as a National Passion

Beyond the unique playing conditions, the NPL benefited from the fervent support of Nepali cricket fans. Douthwaite likened the atmosphere to that of top-tier sports leagues.

Cricket in Nepal is probably like the premier League in England… there’s a kind of almost Indian cricket feel about the way people appreciate and love the game.

this enthusiasm provides a strong foundation for the league’s growth and sustainability.

Building a League: Aspirations and Challenges

the NPL represents Nepal’s third attempt to establish a accomplished Twenty20 league, following in the footsteps of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sandesh Katwal, the chief executive of the Gurkhas, emphasized the contry’s unique appeal.

We’re rich in terms of nature. It’s a beautiful country and we’re a friendly, welcoming people. the weather, the hospitality suits international players.
Sandesh Katwal, chief executive of the Gurkhas

While the league couldn’t attract the biggest names in cricket due to budget constraints, it still provided a valuable platform for domestic talent.

Financial Realities and Future Plans

The financial scale of the NPL is modest compared to established leagues like the IPL. All eight NPL franchises were valued at under 169 million Nepali rupees ($1.23 million) at auction, and the prize money for the champions, Janakpur Bolts, was approximately $81,000. In contrast, India’s Rishabh Pant, a top IPL player, commanded over $3 million in the IPL auction for the 2025 edition.

Katwal acknowledged the challenges of recruiting international players during the rushed first season.

Everything happened within a one to two-month period … most international players were already occupied. Many didn’t know about this tournament. Since Christmas was near,many overseas players were in a hurry to return. From the second season I think we can plan to start a bit earlier, October or November.
Sandesh Katwal

Future seasons are planned to start earlier to facilitate better recruitment.

Developing Domestic Talent

Despite the challenges,the NPL served as an effective proving ground for Nepali cricketers. Ravi Bopara, a former England all-rounder who played for Chitwan Rhinos, highlighted the potential of the local players.

There was a group of players who were full of potential but lacked experience.
ravi Bopara

Katwal hopes the NPL will provide the competitive experience needed to nurture young talent, similar to the IPL’s impact on Indian cricket.

It’s a dream come true for Nepali players … sharing practice sessions with the foreign players, they definitely learned a lot. We also had coaches from India, Sri Lanka, England and elsewhere. Since the IPL has started, you can see young players getting opportunities and it has paid off. The NPL is also an opportunity for Nepali players, a starting point.
sandesh Katwal