The Nepal Premier League 2026 (NPL) is set to bring another exciting season of franchise cricket to Nepal. Eight teams will be competing for the championship title at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The tournament began on October 26, and will run to November 21, 2026. Fans are closely following the NPL 2026 schedule, team performances, and the race for the playoffs as defending champions Lumbini Lions seek to defend their title.
This third edition of the league introduces the Decision Review System (DRS), which is a major development in Nepal’s rapidly developing domestic cricket competition. The league also provides local players with an opportunity to play in a high-profile tournament alongside experienced international cricketers.
Nepal Premier League 2026- Tournament Overview
The Nepal Premier League commonly known as NPL, is a franchise-based T20 cricket competition organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal, CAN. It brings together eight teams from different regions and cities, providing a platform for domestic talent and international competition.
Below are some of the key details regarding the 2026 season:
- Tournament- Nepal Premier League 2026
- Edition: Third
- Team: India
- Start Date: October 26, 2026
- Final: November 21, 2026
- Participating Teams: Eight
- Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
- Defending Champions: Lumbini Lions
- Official Organizer: Cricket Association of Nepal
The tournament includes 28 league stage matches followed by four playoff matches. The official fixtures and results page is where supporters can go to get the latest fixture information.
Nepal Premier League Teams in 2026
Eight franchises are competing for the championship during 2026 league season. Each franchise must maintain consistency throughout the turnament stage in order to increase their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
1. Biratnagar Kings
Biratnagar Kings represent the Biratnagar region. They will try to balance good batsmanship and good ball control with quality fieldwork to take on other teams.
Biratnagar Kings Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane (C) | Captain / Bowler |
| Lokesh Bam | Wicketkeeper |
| Dilsad Ali | Wicketkeeper |
| Sujan Thapaliya | Batsman |
| Andre Russell | All-rounder |
| Charith Asalanka | Batsman |
| Angelo Mathews | All-rounder |
| Shubham Ranjane | All-rounder |
| Basir Ahamad | All-rounder |
| Narayan Joshi | All-rounder |
| Pratish GC | Bowler |
| Rupesh Kumar Singh | All-rounder |
| Naren Saud | Bowler |
| Pratik Shrestha | Batsman |
| Imran Sheikh | All-rounder |
| Subash Bhandari | All-rounder |
| Aprajit Poudel | Bowler |
2. Chitwan Rhinos
Chitwan Rhinos represent the Chitwan area. Their campaign will rely on establishing partnerships, taking wickets at crucial times, and consistently performing well throughout the competition.
Chitwan Rhinos Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Kushal Malla (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Arjun Saud | Wicketkeeper |
| Bipin Rawal | Wicketkeeper |
| Kamil Mishara | Wicketkeeper |
| Deepak Bohara | Batsman |
| Dev Khanal | Batsman |
| Dawid Malan | Batsman |
| Ravi Bopara | All-rounder |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder |
| Bibek Kumar Yadav | All-rounder |
| Dan Mousley | All-rounder |
| Tom Taylor | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Ashok Dhami | All-rounder |
| Rijan Dhakal | Bowler |
| Kamal Singh Airee | Bowler |
| Mousom Dhakal | Bowler |
| Ranjeet Kumar | Bowler |
| Kaleem Sana | Bowler |
| Hasan Ali | Bowler |
| Usama Mir | Bowler |
| Gautam KC | Bowler |
3. Janakpur Bolts
Janakpur Bolts won the first-ever Nepal Premier League championship in 2024. However, after finishing last in the standings in 2025, the franchise will be looking to improve their performance and once again compete for the title.
Janakpur Bolts Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Harmeet Singh (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Anil Kumar Sah | Wicketkeeper |
| Kusal Perera | Wicketkeeper |
| Santosh Karki | Batsman |
| Rit Gautam | Batsman |
| Trit Raj Das | Batsman |
| Mayan Yadav | Batsman |
| Bishal Shusling | Batsman |
| Bishal Patel | All-rounder |
| Moeen Ali | All-rounder |
| Abhisekh Tiwari | All-rounder |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | All-rounder |
| James Neesham | All-rounder |
| Aaditya Mahata | Bowler |
| Bikash Aagri | Bowler |
| Amar Singh Rautela | Bowler |
| Lalit Rajbanshi | Bowler |
| Hunain Shah | Bowler |
| Ashutosh Pandey | Batsman |
4. Karnali Yaks
Karnali Yaks represent the Karnali area. Teamwork and consistency will be key to the franchise’s success in securing a Top 3 seal.
Karnali Yaks Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sompal Kami (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Deepak Dumre | Wicketkeeper |
| Akbar Ali | Wicketkeeper |
| David Miller | Batsman |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batsman |
| Ariful Islam | Batsman |
| Sachin Sharma | Batsman |
| Hikmat Shahi | Batsman |
| Shubh Kansakar | Batsman |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder |
| Gulshan Jha | All-rounder |
| Diwan Pun | All-rounder |
| Pawan Sarraf | All-rounder |
| Mark Watt | Bowler |
| Bipin Sharma | Bowler |
| Unish Bikram Singh | Bowler |
| Nandan Yadav | Bowler |
| Surya Tamang | Bowler |
| Dipendra Rawat | Bowler |
| Yuvraj Khatri | Bowler |
5. Kathmandu Gorkhas
Kathmandu Gorkhas represent capital city of Nepal. The franchise will strive to utilize their familiarity with their home country and prepare adequately to compete against the other seven sides.
Kathmandu Gorkhas Squads
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Karan KC (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| KS Bharat | Wicketkeeper |
| Sahil Patel | Wicketkeeper |
| David Warner | Batsman |
| Bhim Sharki | Batsman |
| Suryanshu Koirala | Batsman |
| Sonu Devkota | Batsman |
| Sahan Arachchige | All-rounder |
| Santosh Yadav | All-rounder |
| Prasiddha Jaishi | All-rounder |
| Krishna Paudel | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Aadil Alam | Bowler |
| Rashid Khan | Bowler |
| Shahab Alam | Bowler |
| Dev Shah | Bowler |
| Dayanand Mandal | Bowler |
6. Lumbini Lions
Defending champions Lumbini Lions, who won NPL 2025 with captain Rohit Paudel, enter the competition with pride in their caps. They will face the challenge of continuing their winning momentum while competing against teams who want to take the trophy away from them.
Lumbini Lions Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rohit Kumar Paudel (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Niroshan Dickwella | Wicketkeeper |
| Aasif Sheikh | Wicketkeeper |
| Dilip Nath | Wicketkeeper |
| Sundeep Jora | Batsman |
| Aakash Tripathi | Batsman |
| Arniko Yadav | Batsman |
| D’Arcy Short | All-rounder |
| Shadley van Schalkwyk | All-rounder |
| Shamim Hossain | All-rounder |
| Dinesh Adhikari | All-rounder |
| Sher Malla | Bowler |
| Abhishesh Gautam | Bowler |
| Tilak Bhandari | Bowler |
| Kishore Mahato | Bowler |
| Ajay Chauhan | Bowler |
| Ruben Trumpelmann | Bowler |
| Durgesh Gupta | Bowler |
7. Pokhara Avengers
Pokhara Avengers represent Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most well-known tourism destinations. The franchise will aim to translate their prep talent and consistency into consistency on game day.
Pokhara Avengers Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel (C) | Captain / Batsman |
| Arjun Kumal | Batsman |
| Kiran Thagunna | Batsman |
| Bibek Rana Magar | Batsman |
| Arjun Gharti | Wicketkeeper |
| Dinesh Kharel | All-rounder |
| Shakib Al Hasan | All-rounder |
| Chamika Karunaratne | All-rounder |
| Mahedi Hasan | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Saifuddin | All-rounder |
| Dhananjaya Lakshan | All-rounder |
| Sunny BK | All-rounder |
| Bipin Khatri | Bowler |
| Pratik Pokharel | Bowler |
| Bipin Acharya | Bowler |
| Sudip Aryal | Bowler |
| Sagar Dhakal | Bowler |
| Aakash Chand | Bowler |
8. Sudurpaschim Royals
Sudurpaschim Royals have been one of the most successful franchises in the early history of the league. Back in 2024 and 2025, they ended up as runner-ups and competing for the title will be huge storylines this season.
Sudurpaschim Royals Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Dipendra Singh Airee (C) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Binod Bhandari | Wicketkeeper |
| Tek Rawat | Wicketkeeper |
| Dipak Bohara | Batsman |
| Ishan Pandey | Batsman |
| Sherfane Rutherford | Batsman |
| Aarif Sheikh | All-rounder |
| Brandon McMullen | All-rounder |
| Scott Kuggeleijn | All-rounder |
| Saif Zaib | All-rounder |
| Fabian Allen | All-rounder |
| Ayub Chand | All-rounder |
| Abinash Bohara | Bowler |
| Hemant Dhami | Bowler |
| Hikmat Mahara | Bowler |
| Anil Kharel | Bowler |
| Milan Bohara | Bowler |
| Sachin Bhatt | Bowler |
NPL 2026 Schedule and Important Dates
The NPL 2026 fixtures run from October 26 and the scheduled final on November 21. All matches are being played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Next League stage matches.
- October 31: Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos
- October 31: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings
- November 1: Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers
- November 2: Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Karnali Yaks
- November 3: Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts
- November 5: Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts
- November 7: Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions
Last seasoned league stage games are on Monday 15 November for games 14 and 15. The playoffs are scheduled to start with Qualifier 1 on November 17, followed by the Eliminator on November 18 and Qualifier 2 on November 19.
The final is scheduled for on November 21. For the NPL 2026 schedule, match times, and results, please visit the official NPL page.
Nepal Premier League Results and Points Table
The NPL points table is crucial for tracking each franchise’s progress. Competition points are used to determine team ranking, breaking five-way ties as per tournament rules by net run rate. A standard win will go as 2 points and a game that was dropped without winning or losing will give each team one point unless there are official playing rules dictating otherwise.
When following Nepal Premier League results, fans should consider more than just victories and defeats. When two or more teams finish the league stage with equal points, they can become a focal point of the game of net run rate.
Matches played, wins, losses, total points, and net run rate are key statistics to keep an eye on. The numbers will help to decide the 4 teams for playoffs as the tournament progresses. The official list will give the latest figures, don’t use outdated tables.
What is new in Nepal Premier League 2026?
One of the most significant developments this season is the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS). The system enables teams to appeal specific decisions that are made in the field based upon the relevant playing conditions. The introduction of Hawk-Eye is an additional element of review for the competition and improvements to match officiating in the tournament.
Apart from that, there is an increased number of overseas players from eight to nine per team, and the playing eleven will feature at least seven Nepalis in the 2026 season. This enables an opportunity to gain international experience, yet giving domestic players reasonable visibility.
These developments could make the competition more strategically interesting and provide Nepali cricketers with additional opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. Where to Watch NPL Live Score and Matches
Where to Watch NPL Live Score and Matches
For fans looking for a live score they can check the official Nepal Premier League website for the match updates, fixtures, match results, and the available live coverage details. Availability for broadcasting and streaming may be different in different countries.
The viewer should check the live page of the official broadcaster or streaming service for his/her location. Official digital coverage can help for anyone, whether near or far, to follow a match without having to be in the stadium. If you want to watch live games visit Himalayan Television and Net tv OTP
Please visit Nepal Premier League official website for the latest information.
Why Nepal Premier League Matters for Nepal Cricket ?
The Nepal Premier League is much more than a competition for a trophy, it is about pride of nepali cricket. It provides domestic cricketers with a platform to perform under pressure, compete against experienced professionals, and be exposed to various styles of play. Franchise cricket can also assist in attracting sponsors, developing regional rivalries, and increasing public interest in the sport. Increased visibility may lead to opportunities for players, coaches, match officials, and sports-related businesses. For Nepal cricket, the long-term advantages will depend on consistently organizing tournaments, investing in player development, and providing opportunities for talented cricketers to advance to higher levels of the game.
FAQ
When does Nepal Premier League 2026 end?
The tournament final is scheduled for November 21, 2026.
How many teams are playing in NPL 2026?
Eight teams are participating: Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Janakpur Bolts, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, and Sudurpaschim Royals.
Who are the defending champions?
Lumbini Lions are the defending champions after winning the 2025 edition.
Where is NPL 2026 being played?
All matches are scheduled at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal.
Where can I find the NPL 2026 points table?
Please visit the official Nepal Premier League website for the latest standings, results, and fixtures.
Conclusion
The Nepal Premier League 2026 is an integral component of Nepal’s expanding franchise cricket scene. Eight teams, a competitive playoff system along with the DRS makes there plenty of reasons to stick around to see the tournament through to its final November 21st date.
As the league progresses, some of the key questions include which teams will qualify for playoff spots, whether Lumbini Lions can defend their title, and which players will produce the season’s standout performances. Official fixtures and results will help supporters stay up-to-date all season long.
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