As of 26 October 2026 (9 Kartik 2083), opening day. Dates, teams and captains are from the Cricket Association of Nepal’s published fixtures as reported by The Kathmandu Post and the tournament’s public listings. Streaming prices are from Nepalitelecom’s report of NetTV’s package. Match times can change, so confirm the start time on your eSewa ticket or the broadcaster’s app.
NPL 2026 is here. The third season of the Nepal Premier League, officially the Siddhartha Bank NPL Season III, starts today, 26 October 2026, at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Defending champions Lumbini Lions open against Sudurpaschim Royals, the team that has lost both previous finals.
This season is bigger than the first two. The ICC has sanctioned the league, DRS arrives for the first time, and names like David Warner and Andre Russell are on franchise rosters. Here is everything you need: the full schedule, every team, how to watch, tickets and the history behind the rivalries.
NPL 2026 at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | Siddhartha Bank NPL Season III (powered by Ncell) |
| Dates | 26 October to 21 November 2026 |
| Venue | TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Kathmandu (all matches) |
| Teams | 8 franchises |
| Format | Single round-robin league, then 4 playoff matches |
| Opening match | Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals, 26 October |
| Final | Saturday, 21 November 2026, under lights |
| Organiser | Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) |
| TV in Nepal | Himalaya Television Network |
| Streaming | NetTV, Rs 400 for the whole season in Nepal |
| Tickets | eSewa |
| Defending champions | Lumbini Lions |
What is new in NPL season 3
ICC sanction
On 16 October 2026, CAN announced that the International Cricket Council had officially recognised the third edition of the NPL, as The Kathmandu Post reported. CAN said the sanction will help the development and international profile of domestic cricket in Nepal. For fans, it means the league now sits inside the ICC’s official framework, which matters for player clearances and the league’s credibility.
DRS and ball-tracking for the first time
On 20 October, CAN announced the Decision Review System for this season. According to The Kathmandu Post, it will use 3D ball-tracking for LBW calls, and reviews will also cover run-outs, stumpings and no-balls. AI-based edge detection will check bat contact, wides will be judged on delivery height, and sixes will be measured for distance and height.
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka said two companies tested the technology and the final call depends on its accuracy. So watch the first few matches to see how fully it is used.
Bigger overseas names
The Kathmandu Post confirmed two headline signings: David Warner for Kathmandu Gorkhas, announced in September, and Andre Russell for Biratnagar Kings, announced on 18 October. Several other international players were signed at and after the July auction. Note that the Post also reported doubts over clearances for some Pakistani players, so final overseas line-ups may differ from franchise announcements.
Bigger prize
A Kathmandu Post headline reports that the Season 3 champion will receive Rs 15 million (Rs 1.5 crore). For comparison, Onlinekhabar reported a Rs 11 million winner’s prize in the first season in 2024.
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All 8 NPL 2026 teams, captains and coaches
| Team | Home base | Captain | Head coach | 2025 finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Kings | Biratnagar | Sandeep Lamichhane | Dhammika Prasad | 3rd |
| Chitwan Rhinos | Bharatpur | Kushal Malla | Sohail Tanvir | 7th |
| Janakpur Bolts | Janakpur | Harmeet Singh | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 8th |
| Karnali Yaks | Birendranagar | Sompal Kami | Gyanendra Malla | 6th |
| Kathmandu Gorkhas | Kathmandu | Karan KC | Monty Desai | 4th |
| Lumbini Lions | Siddharthanagar | Rohit Paudel | Tinu Yohannan | Champions |
| Pokhara Avengers | Pokhara | Kushal Bhurtel | Ajantha Mendis | 5th |
| Sudurpaschim Royals | Dhangadhi | Dipendra Singh Airee | Misbah-ul-Haq | Runners-up |
Captains and coaches are as listed in the tournament’s public squad listings on opening day. Franchises can change these during a season.
Quick team-by-team preview
- Lumbini Lions: Champions with Nepal captain Rohit Paudel, the NPL’s all-time top run-scorer with 555 runs across 2024 and 2025. They made Aasif Sheikh the costliest buy of the July auction at Rs 20 lakh, according to Khabarhub.
- Sudurpaschim Royals: Two finals, two defeats. Dipendra Singh Airee leads, and Scott Kuggeleijn, the league’s all-time top wicket-taker, is back.
- Biratnagar Kings: Sandeep Lamichhane as captain plus Andre Russell’s power makes them the team to watch on paper.
- Kathmandu Gorkhas: Karan KC’s side gets David Warner at the top and Monty Desai, Nepal’s former national coach, in the dugout.
- Pokhara Avengers: Kushal Bhurtel leads. Pokhara’s fans travel well, so expect a loud Kirtipur crowd for their games.
- Janakpur Bolts: Won the first title in 2024, finished last in 2025. Shivnarine Chanderpaul coaching adds a big name to the rebuild.
- Karnali Yaks: Sompal Kami leads a side looking to move up from sixth.
- Chitwan Rhinos: Kushal Malla, one of Nepal’s most explosive batters, captains a team that finished seventh last year.
NPL 2026 full schedule
Single-header days have one evening match. Double-header days have a 12:30 PM match and an evening match. CAN’s original schedule set evening matches at 4:30 PM; some later listings show 5:00 PM after the 20 October revision, so check your ticket for the exact time. All matches are at Kirtipur.
| Match | Date | Day | Time (NPT) | Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 Oct | Mon | Evening | Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
| 2 | 27 Oct | Tue | 12:30 PM | Biratnagar Kings vs Chitwan Rhinos |
| 3 | 27 Oct | Tue | Evening | Karnali Yaks vs Janakpur Bolts |
| 4 | 28 Oct | Wed | Evening | Pokhara Avengers vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
| 5 | 29 Oct | Thu | 12:30 PM | Janakpur Bolts vs Kathmandu Gorkhas |
| 6 | 29 Oct | Thu | Evening | Karnali Yaks vs Biratnagar Kings |
| 7 | 31 Oct | Sat | 12:30 PM | Lumbini Lions vs Chitwan Rhinos |
| 8 | 31 Oct | Sat | Evening | Sudurpaschim Royals vs Biratnagar Kings |
| 9 | 1 Nov | Sun | Evening | Janakpur Bolts vs Pokhara Avengers |
| 10 | 2 Nov | Mon | 12:30 PM | Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Karnali Yaks |
| 11 | 2 Nov | Mon | Evening | Sudurpaschim Royals vs Chitwan Rhinos |
| 12 | 3 Nov | Tue | 12:30 PM | Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts |
| 13 | 3 Nov | Tue | Evening | Lumbini Lions vs Pokhara Avengers |
| 14 | 5 Nov | Thu | 12:30 PM | Lumbini Lions vs Janakpur Bolts |
| 15 | 5 Nov | Thu | Evening | Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Biratnagar Kings |
| 16 | 6 Nov | Fri | 12:30 PM | Sudurpaschim Royals vs Karnali Yaks |
| 17 | 6 Nov | Fri | Evening | Chitwan Rhinos vs Pokhara Avengers |
| 18 | 7 Nov | Sat | Evening | Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Lumbini Lions |
| 19 | 9 Nov | Mon | 12:30 PM | Pokhara Avengers vs Karnali Yaks |
| 20 | 9 Nov | Mon | Evening | Chitwan Rhinos vs Kathmandu Gorkhas |
| 21 | 10 Nov | Tue | Evening | Sudurpaschim Royals vs Janakpur Bolts |
| 22 | 12 Nov | Thu | 12:30 PM | Biratnagar Kings vs Pokhara Avengers |
| 23 | 12 Nov | Thu | Evening | Karnali Yaks vs Lumbini Lions |
| 24 | 13 Nov | Fri | 12:30 PM | Kathmandu Gorkhas vs Sudurpaschim Royals |
| 25 | 13 Nov | Fri | Evening | Janakpur Bolts vs Chitwan Rhinos |
| 26 | 14 Nov | Sat | Evening | Biratnagar Kings vs Lumbini Lions |
| 27 | 15 Nov | Sun | 12:30 PM | Chitwan Rhinos vs Karnali Yaks |
| 28 | 15 Nov | Sun | Evening | Pokhara Avengers vs Kathmandu Gorkhas |
Rest days in the league stage: 30 October, 4 November, 8 November (Laxmi Puja) and 11 November (Bhai Tika), as The Kathmandu Post listed. Tihar falls in the middle of the league, so plan family and match days early.
NPL 2026 playoffs
| Match | Date | Who plays | What it decides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | Tue 17 Nov | 1st vs 2nd | Winner goes straight to the final |
| Eliminator | Wed 18 Nov | 3rd vs 4th | Loser is out |
| Qualifier 2 | Thu 19 Nov | Loser of Q1 vs winner of Eliminator | Second finalist |
| Final | Sat 21 Nov | Q1 winner vs Q2 winner | NPL 2026 champion |
20 November is a rest day before the final.
How to watch NPL 2026 live
| Where you are | How to watch | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal, TV | Himalaya Television Network | Your cable or IPTV plan |
| Nepal, mobile or web | NetTV app or website | Rs 400 for all matches, taxes included |
| Middle East | NetTV | USD 4 |
| Europe, USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea | NetTV | USD 10 |
| India | FanCode (streaming), Star Sports (TV) | As per FanCode plans |
Prices for NetTV are from Nepalitelecom’s report of the package. You buy one season package; there are no per-match passes.
For Nepalis abroad: the Rs 400 local price does not apply outside Nepal. Buy the regional package in the NetTV app. Evening matches at around 4:30 to 5:00 PM Nepal time are roughly 2:45 to 3:15 PM in the Gulf, 7:45 to 8:15 PM in Japan and Korea, and 10:00 to 10:15 PM in Sydney (our calculation, check your local daylight saving).
Watching on a slow connection? Use the NetTV app’s lower quality setting, close other apps, and prefer Wi-Fi. If you are setting up home internet this month, our guide to applying for NTC fiber online explains the Rs 4,999 yearly plan.
NPL 2026 tickets
eSewa holds the ticketing rights for this season, as reported by Nepalitelecom. Tickets are digital and bought in the eSewa app.
CAN had not published a full 2026 price list in the sources we checked. For reference, eKantipur reported last season’s prices: Rs 500 general for league matches, Rs 1,000 general for playoffs and the final, Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 premium, and Rs 15,000 for a season pass. The 2025 opening-day tickets sold out, according to The Kathmandu Post, so book early for big games.
Tips for match day at Kirtipur
- Buy only inside the official eSewa app. Do not pay strangers on Facebook or WhatsApp for “extra tickets”.
- Screenshot your QR ticket in case the network is slow at the gate.
- Reach early for evening matches. Kirtipur traffic builds fast after 3 PM.
- Carry a jacket. November evenings in Kirtipur get cold after sunset.
- Keep your phone safe in crowds, and never share an OTP with anyone who calls about a “ticket refund”.
NPL history: seasons 1 and 2
| Season | Dates | Champion | Runner-up | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 30 Nov to 21 Dec 2024 | Janakpur Bolts | Sudurpaschim Royals | Bolts won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | 17 Nov to 13 Dec 2025 | Lumbini Lions | Sudurpaschim Royals | Lions won by 6 wickets, chasing 86 in 9 overs |
| 2026 | 26 Oct to 21 Nov 2026 | To be decided | To be decided | Final on 21 Nov |
NPL records to watch
- Most runs overall: Rohit Paudel, 555 (2024 to 2025).
- Most wickets overall: Scott Kuggeleijn, 27 (2024 to 2025).
- Most runs in one season: Adam Rossington, 323 for Pokhara Avengers in 2025.
- Golden cap 2025 (top wicket-taker): Sandeep Lamichhane.
Records are as compiled in the league’s public statistics after the 2025 final.
Why NPL matters for Nepali cricket
The NPL gives domestic players match time against international names, in front of big crowds and on live TV. Players like Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee get to share dressing rooms with world-class professionals, and young players get noticed by national selectors.
It also matters off the field. Siddhartha Bank holds a five-year title sponsorship, broadcasting and ticketing deals bring revenue to CAN, and Kirtipur fills up with fans who spend in local businesses. With ICC sanction now in place, the league has a stronger base to attract more international talent in future seasons.
Frequently asked questions
When does NPL 2026 start and end?
NPL 2026 starts on Monday 26 October 2026 with Lumbini Lions vs Sudurpaschim Royals and ends with the final on Saturday 21 November 2026. All matches are at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
How can I watch NPL 2026 live in Nepal?
On TV, watch on Himalaya Television Network. On mobile or web, buy the NetTV NPL package for Rs 400, which covers every match of the season.
How do I buy NPL 2026 tickets?
Tickets are sold digitally through eSewa, which holds this season’s ticketing rights. Open the eSewa app, look for the NPL ticket section, choose the match and stand, and pay in the app. Avoid unofficial sellers.
Who are the defending champions of NPL?
Lumbini Lions won NPL 2025, beating Sudurpaschim Royals by 6 wickets in the final. Janakpur Bolts won the first edition in 2024.
Is NPL 2026 recognised by the ICC?
Yes. The Cricket Association of Nepal announced on 16 October 2026 that the ICC had officially sanctioned the third edition of the NPL.
Conclusion
NPL 2026 runs from 26 October to 21 November at Kirtipur with eight teams, DRS for the first time, ICC sanction and stars like David Warner and Andre Russell. Watch on Himalaya TV or NetTV for Rs 400, buy tickets only through eSewa, and keep this page handy for the fixtures. Which team are you backing this season?
Sources
- The Kathmandu Post: Lumbini Lions to face Sudurpaschim Royals in NPL opener (20 September 2026)
- The Kathmandu Post: ICC finally recognises Nepal Premier League (16 October 2026)
- The Kathmandu Post: Nepal Premier League to introduce DRS for third edition (20 October 2026)
- The Kathmandu Post: Andre Russell to play for Biratnagar Kings (18 October 2026)
- The Kathmandu Post: NPL gets bigger with David Warner’s announcement (16 September 2026)
- Nepalitelecom: Watch all NPL 2026 matches on NetTV for Rs 400
- eKantipur: NPL ticket prices 2025
- Onlinekhabar: NPL 2024 prize money
- The Kathmandu Post: Opening day tickets for 2nd NPL season sold out (15 November 2025)
- Khabarhub: NPL Season 3 auction
- Nepal Premier League official site
- Wikipedia: 2026 Nepal Premier League (fixture and squad listings)
Rabin Paudel
Rabin Paudel is the Founder of Digital Solution, a Content Creator, and an AI Trainer. He shares practical and easy-to-understand content on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Literacy, Online Services, FinTech, and Technology. His mission is to make technology simple, accessible, and useful for everyone.
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