Second Edition of NPL kicks off under floodlights with Janakpur Bolts facing Kathmandu Gorkhas

KATHMANDU: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is set to begin on Monday under floodlights at the TU Cricket Ground, with defending champions Janakpur Bolts taking on Kathmandu Gorkhas in a high-stakes opening match. The tournament promises intense competition as teams look to assert dominance in Nepal’s rapidly growing T20 cricket scene.

Janakpur Bolts Aim to Retain Title

Janakpur, led by captain Anil Sah, enter the season determined to defend their title. Speaking on the team’s official social media page, Sah said,

“As defending champions, it is important for us to win again. We deserve the title this season too as we have worked hard. We also have a good mix of players. We will play to win.”

The Bolts are coached by former West Indian star Shivnarine Chanderpaul, bringing international experience to the squad. Last season, former Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake guided Janakpur to the championship.

Janakpur have built a formidable lineup, signing international players including Imran Tahir, Wayne Parnell, Lahiru Milantha, Jan Nicol Loftie‑Eaton, Lahiru Samarakoon, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Sangeeth Cooray. Key domestic players such as Aasif Sheikh, Anil Sah, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Kishor Mahato, Rupesh Kumar Singh, and Tul Bahadur Thapa Magar have been retained, while talent hunt and mini auction signings include Mayan Yadav, Aditya Mahata, Bikash Aagri, Sachin Bhatta, and Pappu Yadav.

Kathmandu Gorkhas Seek Redemption

Rebranded from Kathmandu Gurkhas, the Gorkhas have also unveiled a new logo for season two. Led by marquee player Karan KC, the team retained core players Bhim Sharki, Shahab Alam, Rashid Khan, Dipesh Kandel, and Pratik Shrestha. New additions from the mini auction include Mohammad Aadil Alam, Santosh Yadav, Aakash Tripathi, Uttam Thapa Magar, and Tul Bahadur Thapa, with Sonu Devkota joining through talent hunt.

The Gorkhas have appointed former Nepal head coach Monty Desai to guide the team and utilize his familiarity with the TU Cricket Ground. The team aims to avenge last season’s five-wicket defeat to Janakpur and improve performance from domestic players, after missing playoffs in NPL-1 due to a poor net run rate.

High Expectations and Security Measures

Opening night under lights brings new challenges for organizers. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal instructed security officials to ensure tight arrangements and remain vigilant against any untoward incidents. During a briefing with Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel and Police Chief Ramesh Thapa, Aryal said,

“This year, cricket will be played at night for the first time, so security must be even stronger and more effective. Please ensure preparations are made accordingly.”

Fans Urged to Watch From Home

With tickets for the opening match sold out, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) urged fans to watch the game from home. Secretary Paras Khadka released a video message asking supporters to follow the match via television or OTT platforms to avoid congestion and ensure safety.

As floodlights illuminate the TU Cricket Ground tonight, cricket enthusiasts across Nepal anticipate an exciting start to NPL Season Two, where defending champions and ambitious challengers will clash for early supremacy.