The Nepal Premier League 2026 starts on Sunday 26 October 2026 and runs to 21 November 2026, with eight franchises contesting the third edition of Nepal's flagship domestic T20 competition at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Here is everything confirmed so far about NPL 2026, covering the dates, the teams, the defending champions, the auction results and what to expect from the season.
When does Nepal Premier League 2026 start?
NPL 2026 begins on 26 October 2026 and concludes on 21 November 2026, Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5 in the Nepali calendar. The Cricket Association of Nepal confirmed the window in August 2026.
The move is a notable shift. Both previous editions were played in the post-festival December window: the inaugural season ran 30 November to 21 December 2024, and season two ran 17 November to 13 December 2025. Season three instead slots into the gap between Dashain and Tihar, with organisers reportedly pausing play for only two days during the core Tihar celebrations.
The full match-by-match fixture list has not yet been released. The tournament format is confirmed: a single round-robin league stage of 28 matches, after which the top four teams enter an IPL-style playoff of Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Grand Final, for 32 matches in total.
Who won the previous Nepal Premier League seasons?
NPL has had two different champions in two seasons, and no team has yet retained the title.
- NPL 2024 (inaugural): Janakpur Bolts beat Sudurpaschim Royals by 5 wickets in the final at Kirtipur.
- NPL 2025: Lumbini Lions beat Sudurpaschim Royals by 6 wickets on 13 December 2025 to claim their maiden title. Sudurpaschim were bowled out for 85, and Lumbini chased it in just 9 overs, finishing 86 for 4. Ruben Trumpelmann took the player of the match award, and captain Rohit Paudel claimed a hat-trick.
Two details stand out going into 2026. Sudurpaschim Royals have now lost both finals, making them the side with the most to prove. And defending champions Janakpur Bolts were knocked out in the league stage in 2025, so the reigning title has changed hands each year so far.
Which teams play in NPL 2026?
Eight franchises representing regions across Nepal contest the league.
- Lumbini Lions, defending champions (2025)
- Janakpur Bolts, inaugural champions (2024)
- Sudurpaschim Royals, runners-up in both seasons
- Chitwan Rhinos
- Biratnagar Kings
- Kathmandu Gorkhas
- Pokhara Avengers
- Karnali Yaks
NPL 2026 auction and who went for what
The season three mini auction was held in Kathmandu on 7 July 2026, with 52 of the 155 registered players finding teams.
Aasif Sheikh was the top buy, the Nepal opener and wicketkeeper-batter going to Lumbini Lions for Rs 2 million. Seven of the eight franchises bid the maximum for him, and Lumbini won his signature through a lucky draw.
Four players went at the Rs 1.5 million maximum, all returning from injury: Bibek Kumar Yadav to Chitwan Rhinos, Rupesh Singh to Biratnagar Kings, Tirtha Raj Das to Janakpur Bolts, and Arjun Gharti to Pokhara Avengers. Each squad can also carry up to four international marquee signings.
Floodlights at TU Ground and Nepal's first day-night cricket
The biggest infrastructure change in Nepali cricket arrived last season. Six floodlight towers were erected at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, each pole weighing 30 tonnes and standing 45 to 60 metres tall. They were officially inaugurated on 16 November 2025.
The opening match of NPL 2025 became the first official cricket match ever played under floodlights in Nepal. Across that season, 23 of the 32 matches were played as day-night fixtures, with the remaining nine as day games.
For 2026 that means a full season of evening cricket at a venue with a capacity of more than 25,000, and a ground long known for assisting spin at 1,332 metres of elevation.
What to expect from NPL 2026
Three things worth watching this season:
- An October start changes conditions. Late October and November in Kathmandu are drier and cooler than the December window, and evening dew under lights will matter at the toss. Expect captains to think hard about chasing.
- No dynasty yet. Two seasons, two champions, and the defending side eliminated in the league stage last year. On the evidence so far this is a genuinely open competition.
- Sudurpaschim Royals. Twice finalists, twice beaten. They have reached the final in every edition of the tournament, which is a record no other franchise can claim.
We will update this page with the full fixture list, squad announcements and results as they are confirmed.
Get your cricket gear before the season
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Nepal Premier League 2026 start?
NPL 2026 starts on 26 October 2026 and runs until 21 November 2026 (Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5). This is earlier than the previous two seasons, which were both played in the post-festival December window.
Who won the Nepal Premier League 2025?
Lumbini Lions won NPL 2025, beating Sudurpaschim Royals by 6 wickets in the final at Kirtipur on 13 December 2025. It was their maiden title. Sudurpaschim were bowled out for 85 and Lumbini chased it down in 9 overs.
Who won the first Nepal Premier League?
Janakpur Bolts won the inaugural NPL in 2024, beating Sudurpaschim Royals by 5 wickets in the final. No team has won the title twice. Janakpur were eliminated in the league stage while defending it in 2025.
How many teams play in NPL 2026?
Eight franchises play. Lumbini Lions, Janakpur Bolts, Sudurpaschim Royals, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Pokhara Avengers and Karnali Yaks.
How many matches are in NPL 2026?
32 matches in total. A 28-match single round-robin league stage, followed by four playoff matches, which are Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Grand Final.
Where are NPL 2026 matches played?
At the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, which has hosted every NPL match across all editions. The ground seats more than 25,000.
Does the Nepal Premier League have floodlights?
Yes. Six floodlight towers were installed at TU Ground in Kirtipur and inaugurated on 16 November 2025. The opening match of NPL 2025 was the first official cricket match played under floodlights in Nepal, and 23 of that season's 32 matches were day-night fixtures.
Who was the most expensive player in the NPL 2026 auction?
Aasif Sheikh, bought by Lumbini Lions for Rs 2 million at the mini auction on 7 July 2026. Seven of the eight franchises bid the maximum for him and Lumbini won his signature via a lucky draw.
Has the NPL 2026 schedule been released?
The tournament window (26 October to 21 November 2026) and the format are confirmed, but the full match-by-match fixture list has not yet been published. We will update this page when it is.
Where can I buy cricket equipment in Nepal?
Himalayan Willow, in Uttardhoka, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, stocks bats, gloves, pads, helmets, kit bags and team kit from SG, SS, KG, DSC, Gray-Nicolls, Shrey and SF. We deliver across all 77 districts of Nepal and ship internationally.