Nepal Cricket League (NPL): A New Era in Nepali Cricket

The Nepal Premier League (NPL), was founded by the CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal) and is all set to be inaugurated on November 30 to December 21, 2024. This is more than just cricket; it’s a cricket carnival festival for every Nepalese fan who has waited to see Nepal’s cricket soar on the global stage. Eight teams, one dream – to lift the ultimate trophy. The NPL Teams 2024 features 8 incredible teams, each representing each province of major cities of Nepal. Though Nepal has 7 provinces, Province 3 brags two powerhouse teams—the Kathmandu Gurkhas and Chitwan Rhinos. It’s like having two lions in one jungle, both vying to roar the loudest.

Each of the eight teams has a squad of 16 players, with the opportunity to sign 4 Foreign players, 3 Grade A players, 4 Grade B players, 3 Grade C players, and 1 from the Talent Hunt. They acquire players from auctions.

Imagine a country where cricket unites villages, cities, and every fan. That’s exactly what the Nepal Premier League is set to do. With 8 teams, fiery auctions, and a lineup of passionate owners and coaches, this tournament is more than just cricket. It’s a celebration of dreams, sweat, and strategy. Let’s explore the teams, the stars behind them, and what makes NPL the next big thing!

Total NPL team Name List 2024 in Nepal

1. Kathmandu Gurkhas (KG) – The pride of the capital
2. Pokhara Avengers (PA)– Rising heroes from the city of lakes
3. Chitwan Rhinos (CR) – Represents the famous Chitwan National Park’s strength
4. Karnali Yaks (KY) – Tough as the mountains
5. Sudurpaschim Royals (SR)– From the far-western hills
6. Lumbini Lions (LL) – Named after the birthplace of Buddha
7. Biratnagar Kings (BK) – Kings of the east
8. Janakpur Bolts (JB) – Named after the birthplace of Sita

Kathmandu Gurkhas (KG) NPL teams 2024

Owned by Kathmandu Sports Development Venture

The Kathmandu Gurkhas, the pride of the valley, are NPL teams 2024 owned by Kathmandu Sports Development Venture. Gurkhas are known for their bravery; this team lives up to its name. The Kathmandu Gurkhas bring the league energy, charisma, and unmatched determination. Kantipur Publications bought the Kathmandu Gurkhas for the second-highest price, NPR 3,33,33,339. 

• Marquee Player: Karan KC
• Captain:
• Squad: Shahab Alam, Bhim Sharki, Rashid Khan, Shankar Rana, Dipesh Prasad Kandel, Sumit Maharjan, Krishna Karki, Bibek KC, Pratik Shrestha, Raju Rizal 
• Foreign Players: Michael Levitt, Merwe Gerhard Erasmus, Stevie Sean Eskinazi, Dan Douthwaite, Nathan Sowter 
• Local Iconic Player: Krish Karki 
• Head Coach: Basant Shahi (Nepal)
• Auction Bid: रू 3.33 crore (US $250,000)
• Strengths: Bowling attack and fielding agility.
• Weakness: Over-reliance on individual brilliance.

Why Follow Them?

If you enjoy cricket, which feels like a battle, where players leave everything on the field, Gurkhas are your team.

Follow on Facebook: Kathmandu Gurkhas Official

Pokhara Avengers (PA) NPL TEAM

Owned by Nepal T20 Pvt Ltd

As their name suggests, the Pokhara Avengers play with an unmatched flair. They are known as NPL Teams 2024 for their innovative gameplay and ability to turn the game on its head. Nepal T-20 Cricket Pvt. Ltd. paid the highest fee of NPR 3,57,00,000 representing the Pokhara Avengers team.

• Marquee Player: Kushal Bhurtel
• Foreign Stars: Evin Lewis (West Indies), Chris Lynn (Australia)
• Captain:
• Squad: Sagar Dhakal, Akash Chand, Kiran Kumar Thagunna, Narayan Joshi, Bipin Khatri, Dilip Nath, Trit Raj Das, Sunam Gautam, Dinesh Kharel, Amrit Gurung 
• Foreign Stars: Bas De Leede, Andries Gous, Matt Critchley, Raymon Reifer, Michael Leask
• Local Iconic Player: Sudip Aryal
• Head Coach: Rajiv Kumar (India)
• Auction Bid: रू 3.57 crore (US$270,000)
• Strengths: Power hitters and aggressive spin attack.
• Weakness: Vulnerability to collapses in pressure situations.

Why Follow Them?

This team will keep you entertained if you love unpredictable and thrilling cricket.

• Facebook: Pokhara Avengers Official

Chitwan Rhinos(CR) NPL Team 2024

Owned by Chitwan Medical College

The Rhinos are a balanced team that thrives on staying under the radar and striking when it matters most. They are a perfect example of teamwork and resilience. With Kushal Malla leading the charge, these players are like underdogs in a fairytale story. Known for turning the tables, their foreign stars like Ravi Bopara bring the wow factor.

• Marquee Player: Kushal Malla
• Captain : 
• Squad: Rijan Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee, Sharad Vesawkar, Bipin Rawal, Santosh Karki, Dipesh Shrestha, Amar Singh Rautela, Deepak Bohara, Ranjit Kumar, Gautam KC
• Foreign Stars: Ravi Bopara (England), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Marchant De Lange, Luc Benkenstein, Hassan Eisakhil
• Local Iconic Player: Akash Thapa
• Head Coach: Umesh Patwal (India)
• Auction Bid: रू 1.76 crore (US$130,000)
• Strengths: All-rounder depth and explosive batting finishers.
• Weakness: Inconsistent bowling attack under pressure.

Why Follow Them?

For fans who love seeing the underdog rise and conquer, the Rhinos are the team to watch.

• Facebook: Chitwan Rhinos Official

Karnali Yaks (KY)

NPL Teams 2024, Owned by Himalayan Builders

Rooted in discipline and patience, Karnali Yaks is the epitome of calculated cricket. With Sompal Kami as their star, they blend tradition and modern cricket flair. Watching them is like seeing a river carve its way through rocks – patient but unstoppable. They play with the composure of a mountain breeze but can bring the force of an avalanche when needed.

• Marquee Player: Sompal Kami
• Captain :
• Squad: Gulshan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Mausam Dhakal, Arjun Gharti, Dev Khanal, Rit Gautam , Bhuban Karki, Dipendra Rawat, Dipak Dumre, Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri
• Foreign Stars: Shikhar Dhawan, Chadwick Walton, Babar Hayat, Hussain Talat
• Local Iconic Player: Bipin Prasad Sharma
• Head Coach: Gyanendra Malla (Nepal)
• Auction Bid: रू1.11 crore (US$83,000)
• Strengths: Seam bowling and strategic game planning.
• Weakness: Over-cautious batting approach.

Why Follow Them?

For traditional and disciplined cricket fans, the Yaks represent a deep love for the game’s essence.

• Facebook: Karnali Yaks Official

Sudurpaschim Royals (SR)

Owned by Empire Sports

Sudurpaschim Royals bring the grace of nobility to their game. Royals by name, fighters by spirit – Dipendra Singh Airee and his squad play with unmatched dignity. They are resilient, never giving up no matter the odds, and often pull off unexpected comebacks.

• Marquee Player: Dipendra Singh Airee
• Captain :
• Squad: Md Aarif Sheikh, Abinash Bohara, Binod Bhandari, Ishan Pandey, Arjun Kumal, Khadak Bahadur Bohara, Naresh Budhayer, Bhoj Raj Bhatta, Amit Shrestha, Naren Saud 
• Foreign Stars: Rohan Mustafa, Scott Kuggeleijn, Saif Zaib, Brandon McMullen  
• Local Iconic Player: Basant Khatri
• Head Coach: Jagat Tamata (Nepal)
• Auction Bid: रू 1.68 crore (US $130,000)
• Strengths: Tactical depth and game-changing middle-order players.
• Weakness: Lack of experienced finishers.

Why Follow Them?

Fans who love fairytale endings and comebacks will find their hearts in the Royals’ camp.

• Facebook: Sudurpaschim Royals Official

Lumbini Lions (LL)

NPL Teams 2024, Owned by Fortuna Health Care

Majestic and proud, Lumbini Lions roar on the field with Rohit Paudel leading the pride. Their foreign players, including Unmukt Chand, add international flair to their already dazzling lineup. The Lions are like the crown jewels of the league. The games are a treat, combining textbook cricket with moments of sheer brilliance.

• Marquee Player: Rohit Paudel
• Captain: 
• Squad: Surya Tamang, Bibek Yadav, Sundeep Jora, Aashutosh Ghiraiya, Tilak Raj Bhandari, Durgesh Gupta, Arjun Saud, Dinesh Adhikari, Abhishesh Gautam, Bikash Aagri
• Foreign Stars: Unmukt Chand(India), Ben Cutting, Tom Moores, Ramon Simmonds, Saad Bin Zafar
• Local Iconic Player: Arif Khan
• Head Coach: Nandan Phadnis (India)
• Auction Bid: रू1.86 crore (US$140,000)
• Strengths: Middle-order stability and all-rounder options.
• Weakness: Lack of consistent pace attack.

Why Follow Them?

They play cricket like a symphony – calm, measured, and mesmerizing.

Facebook: Lumbini Lions Official

Biratnagar Kings (BK) NPL Teams 2024

Owned by MAD Dream Sports

Known for their aggressive gameplay, Biratnagar Kings are the trendsetters in the league. Led by marquee player Sandeep Lamichhane, Biratnagar Kings are like the knights of the cricket table. Imagine a chessboard, where every move is precise and calculated – that’s this squad! The foreign line-up is no less impressive, with stars like Martin Guptill adding sparkle. They are fearless and often dictate the pace of the game, turning heads with their bold strategies.

• Marquee Player: Sandeep Lamichhane
• Captain :
• Squad: Lokesh Bam, Pratish GC, Bashir Ahmad, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Jitendra Kumar Mukhiya, Anil Kharel, Dipak Bohara, Subhash Bhandari, Naren Bhatta, Mrinal Gurung
• Foreign Stars: Chris Sole, Martin Guptill(New Zealand), Nicholas Kirton, Aqib Ilyas, Ismat Alam
• Local Iconic Player: Kamal Khatri
• Head Coach: Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)
• Auction Bid: रू 1.51 crore (US$110,000)
• Strengths: Spin bowling dominance and sharp fielding.
• Weakness: Over-reliance on top-order batting.

Why Follow Them?

The Kings are a dream for fans of exciting cricket. Their nail-biting finishes and fearless style make them crowd favorites.

• Facebook: Biratnagar Kings Official

Janakpur Bolts (JB) NPL TEAMS 2024

Owned by Dream Sports

Janakpur Bolts is another NPL team in 2024 that symbolizes speed, agility, and adaptability. They are quick to recover from setbacks, delivering electrifying moments.

• Marquee Player: Aasif Sheikh
• Captain :
• Squad: Lalit Rajbanshi, Anil Kumar Sah, Rupesh K Singh, Kishore Mahato, Aakash Tripathi, Shubh Kansakar, Sher Malla, Hemant Dhami, Arniko Prasad Yadav, Tul Bahadur Thapa Magar
• Foreign Stars: James Neesham, Sohaib Maqsood, Lahiru Milantha, Muhammad Mohsin, Joshua Tromp
• Local Iconic Player:
• Head Coach: Pubudu Dassanayake (Sri Lanka)
• Auction Bid: रू 2.05 crore (US$150,000)
• Strengths: Explosive middle-order batting and clever death-over bowling.
• Weakness: Lack of depth in spin options.

Why Follow Them?

Expect high-scoring matches, edge-of-the-seat action, and memorable sixes from the Bolts.

• Facebook: Janakpur Bolts Official

Full List of Nepal Premier League (NPL) Players 2024 

The Players Auction Drama

• 3 Grade A players – The big guns, the game-changers.
• 4 Grade B players – The backbone, solid, and dependable.
• 3 Grade C players – The emerging stars, eager to prove themselves.
• 1 Talent Hunt gem – A raw diamond unearthed from grassroots cricket.

It’s like picking pieces of a puzzle, hoping they’ll fit perfectly to create a winning picture. Fans eagerly watch the auctions, dreaming of their favorite players donning their team colors.

NPL Game Venue

The venue of the NPL game will be Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, located 5 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu host all 32 matches, including playoffs. It’s more than just a stadium; it’s where Nepal’s cricket history will be rewritten.

NPL Winning Prize and Trophy

The winning prize for the Nepal Premiere League (NPL) winner is रु 5,500,000. The other Prize Money Breakdown is रु 3,000,000 – to the Runner-up, रु 1,000,000 – to the loser of Qualifier 2, and रु 500,000 – to the loser of the Eliminator.

The NPL Trophy is revealed on Monday, 25th November by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli with the Marquee player of Nepal Premier League at the top of Dharahara. It features a Kala Patthar stone and an engraving of Mt. Everest, symbolizing Nepal’s pride and strength.

Conclusion

The NPL Teams 2024 isn’t just a tournament; it’s a celebration of Nepali cricket’s journey. It’s about seeing young talents shine, global stars embrace our culture, and provinces come alive with pride. This league will bring all Nepali together, much like a festival that unites families. So, mark your calendars. Support your team. And witness history in the making. Because this isn’t just cricket—it’s Nepal Premier League!

FAQs

What is the Nepal Cricket League (NPL)?

The Nepal Cricket League is a professional T20 league, started by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). It aspired to promote local talent and give a big platform for cricket fans in Nepal. Sort of like a festival for cricket fans.

When will the NPL start?

The league is set to begin on November 30 and will continue till December 21, 2024. That’s like three weeks of non-stop cricket fun for fans. Matches will be hosted at iconic grounds, including TU Stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal.

How many teams will be playing in the NPL?

There are a total of 8 NPL team name lists in 2024, each representing a different province/city:

1. Biratnagar Kings
2. Kathmandu Gurkhas
3. Pokhara Avengers
4. Karnali Yaks
5. Chitwan Rhinos
6. Sudurpaschim Royals
7. Janakpur Bolts
8. Lumbini Lions

How can people watch the NPL games?

People can either watch live in TU stadiums of Kathmandu or tune into broadcasts and streaming platforms. Details? Still awaited.

Will international players also join the league?

Yes, international players will be there. This will not only make matches more competitive but also bring some great learning moments for our local players.

Who are the key players and captains in the NPL?

The key players feature a mix of Nepali cricketing stars and international players. Marquees like Karan KC (Kathmandu Gurkhas), Sandeep Lamichhane (Biratnagar Kings), and Dipendra Singh Airee (Sudurpaschim Royals) lead the teams with their expertise. Captains are still not announced yet.

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