The first edition of Nepal Premier League T20 cricket tournament, which concluded on Saturday, has proven to be a defining moment in the annals of Nepali cricket. It sets the stage for a brighter and more globally connected future for cricket in Nepal.

“We have received positive reviews that the NPL T20 was a grand success. This in itself is a big achievement,” Cricket Association of Nepal spokesperson Chhumbi Lama told the Post. “CAN will view the first edition of the NPL as a big opportunity. We believe this will open a new chapter of Nepali cricket.”

The enthusiasm around the NPL T20—which ran from November 30 to December 21—was evident from the overwhelming support of fans nationwide, who created an electric atmosphere in the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur throughout all 32 matches. Beyond the ground, the NPL also had significant viewership on television and online platforms.

For the first time in Nepal’s cricketing history, Star Sports—a group of Indian television sports channels that also holds the rights of flagship tournaments like Indian Premier League, English Premier League, Wimbledon and ICC events—covered the tournament, taking the event to global audiences. Additionally, all the matches were streamed live on Youtube via Action Sports’ official channel.

According to Lama, the final between Janakpur Bolts and Sudurpaschim Royals was watched by around 4 million viewers on Youtube. Similarly, in total, as many as 135,000 people went to the TU Ground to experience the live spectacle of the tournament, he said.

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka described the success of NPL T20 as the triumph for Nepali cricket.

“The tournament concluded successfully, but the ultimate winner is Nepali cricket,” said Khadka, who is also the former captain of Nepal national cricket team.

“One of CAN’s biggest achievements is the brand value. Moreover, the CAN and the tournament have garnered positive responses from the world market,” Khadka said in an interview with Kantipur Television.

“The competition has created a distinct milestone in Nepali sports. Let’s hope this is just the beginning. It’s a matter of moving forward. We wanted to set an example through this tournament and will strive to make future editions even more successful.”

International cricketing legends like Shikhar Dhawan, James Neesham, Ben Cutting and Ravi Bopara brought with them their wealth of experience and fan followings, adding an unmatched level of esteem to the competition, while the visit of former West Indies legendary cricketer Brian Lara also raised the tournament’s standards. The presence of seasoned overseas cricketers provided domestic players with invaluable opportunities to showcase their skills and gain experience.

Khadka is optimistic that future NPL T20 editions will attract more international star cricketers, including those from Test-playing nations.

The NPL also served as a platform for young talents like Bipin Sharma to shine on the world stage. The 16-year-old Karnali Yaks spinner took 13 wickets in the competition and was declared the Emerging Player of the Tournament, earning him a scholarship worth Rs1 million. His rise underlines the league’s role in nurturing the next generation of Nepali cricketers.

The tournament also reinforced the dominance of Nepal’s established cricketers like Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi and Rohit Paudel, who are already household names in Nepali cricket. All-rounder Airee was named the Electric Player of the Tournament for his consistent performance that saw him score 227 runs, take eight wickets, hold three catches and execute seven run-outs in the tournament.

Rajbanshi emerged as the best bowler of the tournament with 17 wickets, while Lumbini Lions’ Paudel impressed with 279 runs and eight wickets despite his team’s no-show in the competition. Their success has reaffirmed their roles as national team mainstays and inspirations for aspiring talents like Sharma.

Organiser Cricket Association of Nepal’s efforts also paid off as it secured substantial investments, ensuring future editions of the NPL T20 will be hosted on an ever grander scale. The five-year title sponsorship deal with Siddhartha Bank has been celebrated as the largest ever in Nepali sporting history.

The partnership with Twenty-first Century Media (TCM) Sports—a sports management company that has managed Cricket World Cups, Asia Cups, IPL and other international events—further highlights the growing corporate interest in Nepali cricket. Additional sponsorships from Omoda & Jaecoo, Red Bull and dozens others also underscore the league’s commercial potential.

The NPL has also set up an impressive financial benchmark. Despite Nepal’s challenging economic conditions, the NPL was able to secure significant sponsorships, franchise fees, and broadcasting revenues.

The tournament has also been vital for local cricketers, with top domestic players earning up to Rs2 million and other cricketers also receiving big remunerations and match fees.

The NPL also created many jobs and stimulated local business, while Lara’s promotional visit further bolstered Nepal’s appeal as a sports tourism destination.

“The NPL has also made a big impact in tourism,” Lama added. “The competition created hundreds of jobs, boosted hotel business and transport services. It is itself a big boost for the economy. Moreover, Lara’s visit to promote the NPL T20 will definitely be a game-changer.”

The historic season of the NPL signals that Nepali cricket is ready to step onto the world stage but lack of infrastructure remains a pressing issue.

“Most importantly, lack of infrastructure has taken its toll,” Khadka said.

“We have appealed to the authorities concerned to improve cricket infrastructure and hope that the TU Ground will have floodlights and parapets ready before the next season.”