The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 is set to be a landmark event in Nepalese cricket, marking the inaugural season of this professional Twenty20 league. Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament aims to elevate the standard of cricket in the country and provide a platform for both local and international talents.
Tournament Overview
The NPL 2024 is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 21, 2024. The league will feature eight franchise teams representing various regions and cities of Nepal. The matches will be held at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, ensuring a central and accessible location for fans.
Participating Teams and Squads
Each of the eight teams has assembled a diverse squad comprising both national and international players. Below is an overview of the teams, their marquee players, and notable international signings:
- Biratnagar Kings
- Marquee Player: Sandeep Lamichhane
- Notable International Players: Martin Guptill, Chris Sole, Nicholas Kirton, Aqib Ilyas, Ismat Alam
- Head Coach: Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Marquee Player: Kushal Malla
- Notable International Players: Ravi Bopara, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Marchant de Lange, Luc Benkenstein, Hassan Eisakhil
- Head Coach: Umesh Patwal (India)
- Janakpur Bolts
- Marquee Player: Aasif Sheikh
- Notable International Players: James Neesham, Sohaib Maqsood, Lahiru Milantha, Muhammad Mohsin, Joshua Tromp
- Head Coach: Pubudu Dassanayake (Sri Lanka)
- Karnali Yaks
- Marquee Player: Sompal Kami
- Notable International Players: Shikhar Dhawan, Chadwick Walton, Babar Hayat, Hussain Talat
- Head Coach: Gyanendra Malla (Nepal)
- Kathmandu Gurkhas
- Marquee Player: Karan KC
- Notable International Players: Michael Levitt, Gerhard Erasmus, Stevie Sean Eskinazi, Dan Douthwaite
- Head Coach: Basant Shahi Thakuri (Nepal)
- Lumbini Lions
- Marquee Player: Rohit Kumar Paudel
- Notable International Players: Unmukt Chand, Ben Cutting, Tom Moores, Ramon Simmonds
- Head Coach: Nandan Phadnis (India)
- Pokhara Avengers
- Marquee Player: Kushal Bhurtel
- Notable International Players: Bas de Leede, Andries Gous, Matt Critchley, Raymon Reifer, Michael Leask
- Head Coach: Rajeev Kumar (India)
- Sudurpaschim Royals
- Marquee Player: Dipendra Singh Airee
- Notable International Players: Rohan Mustafa, Scott Kuggeleijn, Saif Zaib, Brandon McMullen
- Head Coach: Jagat Tamata (Nepal)
These squads blend experienced international cricketers with emerging local talents, promising a competitive and entertaining tournament.
Broadcasting and Coverage
The NPL 2024 aims to reach a wide audience through comprehensive broadcasting arrangements. While specific broadcasting partners have yet to be officially announced, it is anticipated that matches will be televised on major sports networks and streamed online to cater to both domestic and international viewers. This approach ensures that fans worldwide can enjoy live coverage of the matches.
Fixtures and Schedule
The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with each team playing against all other teams. The top teams will then advance to the playoffs, culminating in the final match to determine the champion. The detailed match schedule, including dates and times, is expected to be released by the organizers in the coming days. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official NPL channels for the latest updates on fixtures and match timings.
Possible Fixtures
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|
| November 30 | 12:15 PM | Biratnagar Kings vs. Janakpur Bolts |
| December 2 | 09:15 AM | Kathmandu Gurkhas vs. Chitwan Rhinos |
| 01:15 PM | Janakpur Bolts vs. Karnali Yaks |
| December 3 | 09:15 AM | Sudurpaschim Royals vs. Biratnagar Kings |
| 01:15 PM | Chitwan Rhinos vs. Pokhara Avengers |
| December 4 | 09:15 AM | Karnali Yaks vs. Kathmandu Gurkhas |
| 01:15 PM | Biratnagar Kings vs. Lumbini Lions |
| December 5 | 09:15 AM | Pokhara Avengers vs. Kathmandu Gurkhas |
| 01:15 PM | Sudurpaschim Royals vs. Janakpur Bolts |
| December 6 | 09:15 AM | Karnali Yaks vs. Lumbini Lions |
| December 7 | 09:15 AM | Lumbini Lions vs. Sudurpaschim Royals |
| 01:15 PM | Chitwan Rhinos vs. Karnali Yaks |
| December 8 | 09:15 AM | Janakpur Bolts vs. Lumbini Lions |
| 01:15 PM | Sudurpaschim Royals vs. Chitwan Rhinos |
| December 10 | 09:15 AM | Chitwan Rhinos vs. Lumbini Lions |
| 01:15 PM | Karnali Yaks vs. Pokhara Avengers |
| December 11 | 09:15 AM | Janakpur Bolts vs. Sudurpaschim Royals |
| 01:15 PM | Kathmandu Gurkhas vs. Lumbini Lions |
| December 12 | 09:15 AM | Pokhara Avengers vs. Janakpur Bolts |
| 01:15 PM | Kathmandu Gurkhas vs. Biratnagar Kings |
| December 13 | 09:15 AM | Lumbini Lions vs. Biratnagar Kings |
| 01:15 PM | Chitwan Rhinos vs. Pokhara Avengers |
| December 14 | 09:15 AM | Pokhara Avengers vs. Kathmandu Gurkhas |
| 01:15 PM | Janakpur Bolts vs. Chitwan Rhinos |
| December 15 | 09:15 AM | Biratnagar Kings vs. Kathmandu Gurkhas |
| 01:15 PM | Pokhara Avengers vs. Sudurpaschim Royals |
| December 16 | 09:15 AM | Sudurpaschim Royals vs. Karnali Yaks |
Notable International Signings
The NPL 2024 has attracted several high-profile international players, adding significant value to the league. One of the most notable signings is former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who will represent the Karnali Yaks. Dhawan’s participation is expected to draw considerable attention and elevate the league’s profile.
The Nepal Premier League 2024 is poised to be a milestone in Nepalese cricket, bringing together a diverse mix of local and international talent. With robust team line-ups, strategic international signings, and comprehensive broadcasting plans, the NPL 2024 promises to deliver thrilling cricketing action to fans both in Nepal and around the world.
How to Watch Nepal Premier League 2024
Here’s a guide on how to watch the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024 from different regions:
1. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Nepal?
In Nepal, NPL 2024 will likely be broadcast on local sports networks and available for online streaming. Stay tuned for official announcements regarding the broadcasting channels. You can also check the Nepal Premier League official website or social media pages for the latest details on local broadcasters.
2. How to Watch NPL 2024 in the USA?
For viewers in the USA, NPL 2024 will most likely be available on global sports streaming platforms such as FuboTV, Willow TV, or ESPN+ (if partnered). You can check with these platforms for NPL coverage during the tournament.
3. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Canada?
In Canada, the NPL 2024 can be accessed via Willow TV, a popular network covering South Asian sports. It is advisable to check with local broadcasters and online streaming platforms for updates on live coverage.
4. How to Watch NPL 2024 in the UK?
In the UK, you can watch NPL 2024 on sports streaming services such as Sky Sports, BT Sport, or Willow TV, which often cover cricket from South Asia. For live streaming, platforms like YouTube or the official NPL website might also offer coverage.
5. How to Watch NPL 2024 in India?
In India, Disney+ Hotstar is the go-to platform for streaming cricket, including the Nepal Premier League. You can also check Star Sports for television broadcasts. Stay updated on official NPL channels for more information.
6. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, cricket fans can follow NPL 2024 on Ten Sports or PTV Sports, which often cover international cricket leagues. Digital streaming will also likely be available via apps like Jazz TV or Willow TV.
7. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, Gazi TV or Channel 9 are reliable sports broadcasters that may cover NPL 2024. Additionally, YouTube streaming or other online platforms could offer live coverage for cricket fans.
8. How to Watch NPL 2024 in the Middle East?
For viewers in the Middle East, NPL 2024 will likely be available on OSN Sports or Willow TV through satellite services. Online streaming services such as YuppTV and FuboTV might also offer live coverage.
9. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Australia?
In Australia, cricket fans can watch NPL 2024 on Fox Sports or Kayo Sports, which cover a variety of international cricket tournaments. Additionally, platforms like YouTube or Willow TV could also stream the matches live.
10. How to Watch NPL 2024 in South Africa?
In South Africa, SuperSport is the go-to broadcaster for cricket. NPL 2024 will likely be streamed online through platforms such as DStv Now or FuboTV for digital access.
11. How to Watch NPL 2024 in New Zealand?
New Zealand viewers can follow NPL 2024 via Sky Sport NZ or Spark Sport. They are known for broadcasting South Asian cricket leagues, and streaming options will likely be available through digital platforms.
12. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, Dialog TV or Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) may provide coverage for NPL 2024. Streaming services like YouTube or Willow TV might also offer live coverage for viewers.
13. How to Watch NPL 2024 in the Caribbean (West Indies)?
For fans in the Caribbean, Flow Sports or ESPN Caribbean could offer live broadcasts of NPL 2024. Online streaming platforms like Willow TV or FuboTV might also carry the tournament.
14. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Africa?
Fans in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe can access NPL 2024 through SuperSport, ZBC Sport, or Willow TV for live streaming.
15. How to Watch NPL 2024 in Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, etc.)?
In Southeast Asia, StarHub TV (Singapore) and Astro (Malaysia) are potential broadcasters for NPL 2024. Streaming platforms like Willow TV and FuboTV will also likely cover the event.
Note: For the most up-to-date information regarding specific broadcasters and streaming services, please visit the official Nepal Premier League website or their social media pages.