The Nepal Premier League 2026 is officially set to deliver high-octane T20 action across South Asia as the tournament returns for an electrifying third season. With international marquee stars, packed stands, and official ICC T20 sanctioning milestones in place, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) is transforming Kirtipur into the subcontinent’s most vibrant cricket theater.
Whether you are watching from Kathmandu, tuning in from India, or following the drama globally, this complete guide breaks down everything you need to know before the first ball is bowled.
NPL 2026 Quick Facts & Tournament Summary
| Feature | Tournament Details |
| Dates | October 26 – November 21, 2026 |
| Edition | Season 3 |
| Defending Champions | Lumbini Lions |
| Total Matches | 32 (28 League + 4 Playoffs) |
| Host Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Governing Body | Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) |
| India Live Stream | FanCode App & Website |
| Nepal TV Broadcast | Himalaya TV HD / Himalaya Sports |
What is the Nepal Premier League 2026
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) represents Nepal’s premier domestic franchise tournament, featuring eight city- and province-based teams.
Following Lumbini Lions’ historic championship victory in late 2025 and Janakpur Bolts’ inaugural triumph in 2024, Season 3 features 32 total matches—including 28 round-robin clashes and 4 playoff fixtures.
The 2026 edition also marks CAN’s rollout of upgraded tournament infrastructure, including integrated Decision Review System (DRS) technology and state-of-the-art broadcast setups.
Nepal Premier League 2026 Teams & Marquee Stars
All eight franchises feature iconic local icons alongside high-caliber overseas talent:
- Lumbini Lions: Led by Nepal national team captain Rohit Paudel, the reigning 2025 champions enter with deep bowling firepower.
- Sudurpaschim Royals: Captained by hard-hitting all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, the Royals have finished as runners-up in back-to-back seasons and are hungry for gold.
- Biratnagar Kings: Guided by mystery leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, known for aggressive tactics and sharp bowling units.
- Janakpur Bolts: The inaugural 2024 champions boast seasoned international anchors like Wayne Parnell and explosive power-hitters.
- Kathmandu Gorkhas: Under bowler Karan KC and high-profile international coaching, the capital city squad features balanced pace and dynamic middle orders.
- Pokhara Avengers: Commanded by Kushal Bhurtel, featuring electric top-order stroke makers.
- Chitwan Rhinos: Led by young dynamo Kushal Malla, bringing fearless hitting and left-arm spin utility.
- Karnali Yaks: Captained by veteran pace-bowling talisman Sompal Kami, known for physical grit and late-order cameos.
Nepal Premier League 2026 Match Timings & Schedule Breakdown
The 2026 edition runs from October 26 through November 21, 2026. All matches are hosted at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, leveraging floodlights for day-night matches.
- Day Matches: 09:15 AM NPT (09:00 AM IST)
- Afternoon / Night Matches: 01:15 PM NPT (01:00 PM IST) & 04:30 PM NPT (04:15 PM IST on select double-header days)
Playoff Structure
- Qualifier 1: November 17 (1st vs 2nd)
- Eliminator: November 18 (3rd vs 4th)
- Qualifier 2: November 19 (Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator)
- Grand Final: November 21, 2026
Where to Watch NPL 2026 Live: India & Global Streaming
Cricket fans in India and around the globe have simple broadcast and digital streaming pathways:
- In India: Stream live on FanCode (Mobile App, Smart TV apps, and Website) via nominal match passes or full tournament passes. Select matches will also see linear telecasts on regional sports cable networks.
- In Nepal: Tune in on Himalaya TV / Himalaya Sports HD for linear satellite and cable broadcast, while NetTV powers local over-the-top (OTT) digital streams.
- Rest of the World: Available via designated regional partners across North America, the UK, and the Middle East, along with official CAN digital web portals.
4 Less-Known Facts About the Nepal Premier League
- The Fanatical Kirtipur Hills: Tribhuvan University Ground does not just have standard grandstands; thousands of spectators pack the natural grassy perimeter hills, often climbing surrounding pine trees to catch glimpses of boundaries.
- Fixed Three-Year Marquee Cycles: Unlike typical player auctions where all players are bought freely, CAN institutes a 3-year marquee retention system to preserve competitive parity among all eight regions.
- The High-Altitude Boundary Factor: Sitting over 1,300 meters above sea level, the thin Kathmandu air turns mistimed pull shots into towering sixes, making the venue one of the fastest-scoring grounds in associate cricket.
- First League with DRS Integration in Nepal: NPL stands as Nepal’s first domestic competition to incorporate formal ICC-standard Hawk-Eye ball tracking and UltraEdge review protocols.
Conclusion
Cricket fans across the subcontinent are counting down the days as the Nepal Premier League 2026 promises another unforgettable month of relentless maximums and nail-biting finishes. With Lumbini Lions defending their crown against a determined pack of challengers, the atmosphere at Kirtipur will be nothing short of breathtaking. Clear your schedule, lock in your streaming passes, and enjoy South Asia’s fastest-rising cricket spectacle.
FAQs
The Nepal Premier League 2026 starts on Monday, October 26, 2026, and concludes with the Grand Final on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
Fans in India can stream all 32 matches live on the FanCode app and website.
There are eight franchise teams: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, and Karnali Yaks.
All tournament fixtures are hosted at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground located in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
The Lumbini Lions are the reigning champions, having defeated the Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in the 2025 final.
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