Kathmandu, September 20
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) could feature the Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time this season, with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) currently assessing available technology.
The schedule for the third edition of the NPL was announced on Saturday, while franchises have already begun signing overseas players ahead of the tournament.
Kathmandu Gorkhas have completed the biggest signing in NPL history by bringing in former Australia captain David Warner. Other international names, including Jimmy Neesham, Shakib Al Hasan, Sikandar Raza and Charith Asalanka, have also been confirmed for the upcoming season.
The arrival of high-profile overseas players has increased interest in the tournament, with excitement also growing among Nepali cricket supporters.
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said preparations were underway to introduce DRS in the NPL for the first time.
According to Khadka, the association has already tested technology from two companies and will make a final decision after evaluating its accuracy.
“We have tested systems from two companies. Now, once we get the final assessment of their accuracy, we will decide which company to work with. If the technology is found to be reliable, we can start DRS from this edition,” Khadka said.
He said a full-scale DRS system similar to the one used in international tournaments such as the World Cup would require significant resources, but CAN was exploring a reliable system suitable for a domestic league.
“The DRS used in the World Cup requires considerable resources. But if there is a reliable system that can be used for the first time in Nepal, we are in favour of implementing it,” he said.
DRS allows teams to challenge certain umpiring decisions and have them reviewed using available technology.
ICC sanction process nearing completion
Khadka also said the process of obtaining ICC sanction for the NPL has reached its final stage.
He said several international players, including Warner, Shakib Al Hasan, Sikandar Raza and Ravi Bopara, have already been signed, while further high-profile names will be announced after the tournament receives ICC sanction.
“There is a lot of interest, so various names have emerged. But it would not be appropriate to speculate until the official announcements are made. Once the sanction is received, the franchises will gradually announce all their players,” Khadka said.
If the NPL receives ICC recognition, players’ performances could be officially recorded in their careers, depending on the classification granted to the tournament.
Khadka said it could receive List A or T20 status.
Performances from the first two editions of the NPL have not been counted in players’ official career records.
ODI status and Test nations among CAN’s priorities
Khadka said Nepal’s upcoming four matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 are currently the association’s biggest priority.
He said Nepal needs strong results to retain its ODI status, while CAN is also preparing for a possible push towards the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the process for a series involving India A and Bangladesh has already moved forward, while proposals have also been sent to other Test-playing nations for bilateral series.
“Our cricket calendar for 2027 is almost ready. We will make it public once the formal decisions are made,” Khadka said.
Khadka also urged Nepali supporters to continue backing the national team.
“Whether we lose by one run or win by one run, no one is more concerned about it than the players themselves. Nepali cricket has reached this point through this struggle, so trust and support are our greatest strength right now,” he said.
