Kirtipur, Kathmandu: The first phase of the Tribhuvan University (TU) Cricket Ground construction in Kirtipur is expected to be completed within a month, according to project contractors and officials. The progress update was shared during an on-site inspection conducted on Monday by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Committee of the Federal Parliament.

The team, led by committee chairman Thakur Gaire, was briefed by Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Joint Secretary Chakraborty Kantha, and representatives from the construction company.

Officials reported that approximately 80 percent of the first-phase work—including parapet structures and infrastructure for floodlights—has been completed. Secretary Sigdel informed that 10 out of 12 seating blocks have already been constructed, and seating installation has begun. A total of 1,700 additional seats, being sourced from India, are set to arrive soon.

All underground preparations for six floodlight towers—designed to host night matches—have been finalized, with three towers already imported from India and 420 specialized lights expected to arrive from Europe. The entire two-phase project is estimated to cost Rs. 6 billion, with future plans to expand seating capacity to accommodate up to 25,000 spectators in the second phase.

Secretary Sigdel also emphasized the need to resolve the lease agreement between the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and Tribhuvan University, which is set to expire in Baisakh. Discussions are ongoing to address TU’s concerns as the landowner.

Once the first phase is complete, the TU ground is scheduled to host the second edition of the National Premier League (NPL) under floodlights. CAN Secretary and former national captain Paras Khadka stated that the TU Cricket Ground embodies the aspirations of cricket fans nationwide and confirmed that preparations are underway to launch new cricket infrastructure across Nepal.

The monitoring delegation included several parliamentary members, with support from officials of the Ministry of Sports and CAN. Chairman Gaire told reporters that the construction progress aligns with the commitment made by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli when he assumed office, and he expressed optimism about completion despite recent weather challenges.