Cricket Kitchen

Captains KC and Sah say: We are happy to play under floodlights in Nepal for the first time

November 18, 2025

Kathmandu- The floodlit ground, thousands of spectators on the parapet, and many more supporting from outside due to limited seating. Many fans watched from outside the venue during the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

 

Players, along with the spectators, expressed happiness at watching and playing under floodlights for the first time at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. After defeating Janakpur Bolts by five wickets in the opening match, Kathmandu Gorkhas’ captain Karan KC said he was very happy to play under floodlights at this ground for the first time.

 

“In today’s match, we had a unique experience. Playing under floodlights at our home ground and in front of our home crowd for the first time felt really special,” he said. “It was a historic moment to play the first match under floodlights, and winning that match has made us even happier.”

 

He said the pitch favored the spinners in the opening match. KC credited the win to the spinners’ performance. “We will continue to do well in the coming days,” he added. “The start is positive, and both Nepali and foreign players performed well.” He said they have prepared with the goal of correcting past weaknesses and winning the title this season.

 

After the match, Janakpur Bolts’ captain Anil Sah also expressed happiness about playing under floodlights in Nepal for the first time. “It was a dream to play under floodlights in Nepal’s own stadium, and that dream has come true. We are very happy,” he said.

 

Sah mentioned that their defeat was due to failures in batting. He said the team lost because they could not build long partnerships. “The start of the innings was good. Asif batted well, but no other batter could build a partnership with him. Because the target was low, we couldn’t come back into the game in the second innings,” he explained. Despite the defeat in the first match, he said they aim to perform better in upcoming matches.

 

After the successful first edition of the NPL, the government showed interest in installing floodlights at the ground. The government has spent Rs. 42 crore 19 lakh for the installation.

 

According to the construction company, Vishan–Ishwari Joint Venture, floodlights have been installed on six towers at the ground. Each tower has 70 lights, making a total of 420 floodlights.

 

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has scheduled 23 out of the total 32 NPL matches to be played under floodlights. The NPL, which started on Monday, will run until Mangsir 27.

 

The eight teams participating in the tournament are: Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpaschim Royals.