Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Friday awarded the title sponsorship rights for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 cricket tournament to Siddhartha Bank for a period of five years.

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka, however, did not reveal the value of the agreement with Siddhartha Bank, one of the largest private commercial banks in Nepal, but claimed that the deal was the highest-ever sponsorship amount in the history of Nepali sports.

CAN also announced Star Sports Network, a group of Indian television sports channels, as the official broadcasting partner of NPL.

Star Sports, a major broadcaster of cricket in India also holds the rights of flagship tournaments like Indian Premier League, English Premier League, Wimbledon and ICC events.

CAN also shared that there will be no matches of the NPL on December 1 due to by-elections taking place on the same day.

The inaugural edition of the NPL is set to take place from November 30 to December 21 at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

“The by-polls are taking place in Kirtipur on December 1. The local government has requested us not schedule any match on the by-election day. We will coordinate with all the concerned bodies and unveil the fixture in a few days,” Khadka said.

Eight teams representing various provinces will compete in the NPL. Kathmandu Gurkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions and Sudurpashchim Royals are participating in the event.