Nepal Premier League 2024/2025: Schedule, Matches, and Results
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024/2025 is a major T20 cricket tournament, which is being held from 30 November to 21 December 2024. There are 8 teams participating in this league, and all the matches are being played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.
NPL 2024 Teams and Their Key Players
- Biratnagar Kings: Sandeep Lamichhane (marquee player), and Martin Guptill is among the foreign players.
- Chitwan Rhinos: Kushal Malla (marquee player), and the team has a good balance of experience and young players.
- Janakpur Bolts: Asif Sheikh (marquee player) and a plethora of talented local players.
- Karnali Yaks: Sompal Kami (marquee player), who is brilliant in both his bowling and batting.
- Kathmandu Gorkhas: Karan KC (marquee player), as well as international player Rashid Khan are part of the team.
- Lumbini Lions: Rohit Kumar Paudel (marquee player), and young talents make the team strong.
- Pokhara Avengers: Kushal Bhurtel (marquee player), who is known for his explosive batting.
- Sudharpaschim Royals: Dipendra Singh Airee (marquee player), and the team consists of strong all-rounders.
Schedule and Format
In the league stage, every team will compete with the other teams once. The top 4 teams will enter the playoffs. The playoffs will decide the finalists through “Qualifier 1”, “Eliminator”, and “Qualifier 2”. The final will be played on 21 December 2024.
Key Matches and Dates
30 November 2024: Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos
13 December 2024: Lumbini Lions vs Karnali Yaks
18 December 2024: Eliminator and Qualifier 1
21 December 2024: Final Match
Results and Points Table
Each team will be awarded points for a win, and their ranking will be decided based on the net run rate. Currently, all the teams are gearing up for the opening round and will try to climb up the points table with their performances.
Special Features for Fans
The Nepal Premier League is not just a celebration of cricket but also a great opportunity to showcase local talent on an international stage. This year, many foreign players are also involved in the game, which has increased the popularity of the tournament.
The Origins and Growth of Twenty20 Cricket in Nepal
In Nepal, T20 cricket had its start with regional competitions meant to encourage young people to play the game. Over time, Nepal’s involvement in international competitions like the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers helped the nation’s talent gain international reputation.
Nepal’s cricket achieved a significant milestone in 2018 when it was granted Twenty20 International (T20I) status, which further accelerated the sport’s growth
Tribhuvan Cricket Ground: Nepal’s major cricket venue
Tribhuvan Cricket Ground (Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground) is the most prominent and historic cricket stadium in Nepal. It is located in the Tatsal area of Kathmandu and is an important venue for cricket lovers of Nepal. Nepal’s major domestic and international matches are organized here.
History and Establishment
Tribhuvan Cricket Ground was established in 1993. It was built on the campus of Nepal University, and is named in honor of Tribhuvan University. This ground has become an important venue for cricket in Nepal, especially since Nepal qualified for the ICC World Cup for the first time in 1996.
Structure and Facilities
The ground of this stadium is of large size and is suitable for ODI and T20 cricket matches. A well-built stand and spectator areas as well as media and player facilities are available around the ground. Moreover, the ground is equipped with a standard turf pitch, which is suitable for international level matches.
Important Events and Matches
Many historic cricket matches have been played at Tribhuvan Cricket Ground, including Nepal’s domestic tournament, Nepal Premier League (NPL) and ICC international matches.
The ground is an important venue for the domestic matches of the Nepal national cricket team. Apart from this, matches of leagues like Everest Premier League (EPL) and Nepal Premier League (NPL) are also held here, in which national and international stars participate
Facilities and Development
Although Tribhuvan Cricket Ground is the largest cricket venue in Nepal, it still needs some development Its infrastructure needs constant improvement, such as better pitch construction, more spectator capacity, and better infrastructure Given the growing popularity of cricket in Nepal, it is expected that this stadium will be expanded in the coming times