Nepal Premier League 2024: Full Schedule, Fixtures, Dates, Timings & Team Squads for Season 1

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024, the first-ever professional T20 cricket league in Nepal, is all set to captivate fans worldwide. The tournament opens with an exciting clash between the Biratnagar Kings and Janakpur Bolts on December 3, 2024, at the iconic Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Here’s everything you need to know about the league, including its format, schedule, and star players.

League Phase: Format and Matches
The league phase features eight teams competing in a single round-robin format, where each team will play seven matches. The top four teams based on points will secure their place in the playoffs.

A total of 32 matches will be played, including the playoffs. The action-packed tournament spans just 18 days, making it a fast-paced and thrilling cricket extravaganza.

Playoffs: A Tried-and-Tested Format
The playoff stage will follow a structure familiar to fans of other T20 leagues, such as the IPL.

• Qualifier 1: The top two teams on the points table will face off. The winner directly qualifies for the final.
• Eliminator: The third and fourth-placed teams will battle it out, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2.
• Qualifier 2: The loser of Qualifier 1 takes on the winner of the Eliminator for the remaining spot in the final.
• Grand Final: The winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 will clash for the championship title on December 21, 2024, at the TU International Cricket Ground.

Venue: Kirtipur Takes Center Stage
All matches, including the grand finale, will be hosted at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The picturesque venue is set to become a hub for Nepalese cricket, hosting fans eager to witness the sport’s growth in the country.

The Players: A Perfect Blend of Local and International Stars
The NPL 2024 features a mix of Nepal’s finest cricketing talent and renowned international players.

Star International Players

• Shikhar Dhawan (India): The former Indian opener brings his vast experience and aggressive batting style.
•   Martin Guptill (New Zealand): Known for his explosive batting at the top, Guptill adds firepower to the league.
• James Neesham (New Zealand): A versatile all-rounder, Neesham’s skills will be pivotal.
• Unmukt Chand (India): The former U-19 World Cup-winning captain brings stability and flair.
• Ben Cutting (Australia): A seasoned all-rounder with experience in global T20 leagues.
• Talent from Associate Nations
  The NPL also welcomes players from associate cricket nations, such as
• Namibia, Netherlands, Scotland, Canada, and the USA. This inclusion not only enhances the league’s competitiveness but also offers a platform for emerging talents from around the world.

Squad Details
Here’s an in-depth look at the team compositions:
    1. Pokhara Avengers

• Captain: Kushal
• BhurtelKey Players: Bas de leede, Raymon Reifer, Michael Leask2. Janakpur Bolts
• Captain: Anil Kumar Sah
• Key Players: James Neesham, Sohaib Maqsood, Lahirum Milantha3. Kathmandu Gurkhas
• Captain: Karan KC
• Key Players: Gerhard Erasmus, Dan Douthwaite, Stevie Eskinazi4. Biratnagar Kings
• Captain: Sandeep Lamichhane
• Key Players: Martin Guptill, Nicholas Kirton, Chris Sole5. Lumbini Lions
• Captain: Rohit Kumar Paudel
• Key Players: Unmukt Chand, Ben Cutting, Tom Moores6. Chitwan Rhinos
• Captain: Kushal Malla
• Key Players: Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Marchant de Lange, Luc Benkenstein7. Sudurpaschim Royals
• Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee
• Key Players: Rohan Mustafa, Scott Kuggeleijn, Saif Zaib8. Karnali Yaks
• Captain: Sompal Kami
• Key Players: Shikhar Dhawan, Chadwick Walton, Hussain Talat

Why the NPL Matters
The Nepal Premier League 2024 is more than just a cricket tournament; it’s a celebration of the country’s growing passion for the sport. The league aims to:

1. Promote Local Talent: Provide a platform for Nepalese players to shine on an international stage.
   2. Boost Tourism: With international players and a global audience, Nepal’s scenic beauty and culture will gain more exposure.
   3. Strengthen Cricket in Nepal: Set the foundation for future leagues and enhance Nepal’s reputation in the cricketing world.

   Nepal Premier League 2024 Schedule – NPL Season 1 Fixtures List with Dates & Timing in IST

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