Kathmandu: The Nepal Premier League (NPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, is all set to commence this Saturday at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The inaugural match will feature Janakpur Bolts taking on Biratnagar Kings, scheduled to start at 12:15 PM.

Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the NPL will see participation from eight teams: Janakpur Bolts, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Karnali Yaks, and Sudurpaschim Royals.

The tournament trophy was unveiled by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli last Monday at the Dharahara complex in Sundhara, with all eight team captains in attendance.

Cricket enthusiasts can watch the action live on the popular sports channel Star Sports, with commentary provided by renowned foreign cricket commentators.

Each team is permitted to include up to four foreign players in their playing XI, with a maximum of six foreign players in the squad. Several international cricket stars, including Shikhar Dhawan (India), Jimmy Neesham and Martin Guptill (New Zealand), Mohsin Khan (Pakistan), Brandon McMullen (Scotland), Tom Moores (England), Marchant de Lange (South Africa), and Raymon Reifer (West Indies), have been signed to participate in the league.

The NPL promises to be an exciting spectacle for cricket fans across Nepal and beyond.