Kathmandu, October 26
Prime Minister Balen Shah will inaugurate the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), which begins today at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Deepa Dahal, the prime minister’s press and research adviser, confirmed that Shah would inaugurate the tournament.
Ahead of the opening, Shah extended his best wishes to Nepali cricket, describing the NPL as the country’s biggest sporting competition and saying it had grown into a major sporting festival within just a few years.
“The biggest sporting competition in Nepal, the NPL, begins today. In just a few years, it has developed into a major sporting festival. A warm welcome to all international players and commentators who have come to participate in the league. Best wishes to the Nepali players, organisers and the Cricket Association of Nepal for this wonderful competition. May Nepali cricket remain immortal,” he said.
The opening match will see defending champions Lumbini Lions take on last season’s runners-up Sudurpaschim Royals. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm.
Six other teams are competing in the tournament — Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks.
The third edition of the NPL will run until November 21.
Himalaya Sports and Onlinekhabar.com will broadcast the tournament live.
