The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), the flagship T20 cricket tournament of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), is scheduled to take place from November 17 to December 13 this year, CAN said in a recent statement.
The T20 tournament will feature eight franchises: Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gurkhas, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, and Karnali Yaks. Organizers confirmed that the mini-auction for players has already been completed.
In preparation for the event, the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is undergoing upgrades, including the installation of a new parapet and floodlights to improve facilities for players and spectators, the state-run news agency RSS reported.
The first edition of the NPL, held from November 30 to December 21 last year, was marred by allegations of online gambling and betting.
The Advertising Board recently penalized two companies for unauthorized advertisements linked to online betting during last year’s NPL and issued a warning to CAN for promoting such ads. The move came after complaints that tournament broadcasts on Star Sports, managed by Twenty First Century Media, featured ads for betting platforms like 1xBet, Wolf-777, and DafaNews. Similar advertisements were also displayed on players’ jerseys and the playing field.
Despite criticism, CAN Secretary Paras Khadka has defended the practice of surrogate advertising, arguing it is necessary to support the growth of cricket in Nepal.
Janakpur Bolts claimed the inaugural title.
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