Cricket Kitchen

NPL Preparations Enter Final Stage

October 7, 2026

Kathmandu – Preparations for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) have entered the final stage, with upgrading and management work at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur nearing completion.

According to Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka, infrastructure development and other management work at the venue have been accelerated with around three weeks remaining before the tournament begins.

Khadka said preparations are being carried out to provide spectators, players, media personnel and distinguished guests with a better experience than in previous editions as the tournament continues to grow.

“We are in the final stage of preparations. Expectations for successfully conducting the tournament are high. As the tournament grows, so does our responsibility,” Khadka told the national news agency RSS. “Our plan is to complete all the work by Dashain and be fully ready for the third edition.”

CAN is also working to address management issues observed during the previous edition, with several new structures planned for the ground this year.

As NPL matches attract large crowds, efforts are underway to increase spectator capacity by making maximum use of the available space. Khadka said suitable areas within the ground premises have been identified and structural modifications are being carried out to accommodate more spectators.

Similarly, improvements are being made to access roads and entrance gates in coordination with the concerned ministry. CAN said special attention is being given to ensuring a smooth experience for spectators from entering the venue after purchasing tickets to leaving after the matches.

Last season, spectators faced difficulties related to toilets and dusty pathways while moving around the venue. CAN has taken measures to prevent such problems from recurring this year, Khadka said.

 

NPL to Begin After Dashain

Although the NPL is being held between Dashain and Tihar, a period when spectator attendance could potentially be affected by the festive season, CAN is not overly concerned.

Khadka said Nepal has a strong cricket fan base and expressed confidence that the festive period would not reduce spectators’ enthusiasm.

According to him, the tournament dates were determined mainly by considering the international cricket calendar, schedules of other franchise leagues and the availability of overseas players. Considering these factors, CAN found the period between Dashain and Tihar suitable for this year’s tournament.

The participating teams in the third edition have accelerated efforts to sign internationally renowned players. CAN expects the presence of overseas stars to further increase interest in the NPL.

Khadka believes the opportunity to watch players whom Nepali fans have previously followed on television in person at the stadium will attract more spectators.

“This year, every team is bringing some of the biggest names in cricket. Players that fans have been watching on television can now be seen live at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur,” he said.

The third edition of the NPL is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5.