Spread the love

By Shanker Man Singh

        In the past, football was the most popular sport in Nepal and cricket should undoubtedly be in the top 2. This is not surprising, being a country in the Indian subcontinent.

        Nepalis have always had close ties with India and as a result, they have followed the game religiously. The misconception that what has prevented Nepal from progressing as a cricketing nation is its weak infrastructure and to some extent its genetic makeup.

        The recently concluded Nepal Premier League has shown that if you have a strong will, you don’t need provisions, government support, player selection, playing fields, experience, etc., but you need a strong will and dedication.

        The recently concluded Nepal Premier League has created a stir in the country. Never before has a national-level competition created such a buzz among domestic and international audiences.

        The Nepali cricket fanbase, who grew up watching the Indian Premier League, was now excited to play its own international franchise league consisting of at least eight teams.

        The ‘Festival of Himalayas’ is expected to feature big names in cricket like former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham, Dutchman Michael Levitt, Namibian Gerhard Erasmus and Australian Ben Cutting. The first edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has become a major turning point in the history of Nepali cricket. As the country’s first franchise-based T20 cricket tournament, the prestigious NPL has brought a new level of professionalism to cricket in the country by combining local talent with international players.

        With the NPL gaining international recognition, Nepal has now become an attractive destination for cricket and Nepal is now seen and heard in the global cricketing landscape, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it has boosted the overall cricketing scene in Nepal.

        Looking back, there was a men’s Twenty20 cricket league held annually in Nepal. Established by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the league had eight province/city-based franchise teams.

        The Nepal Premier League logo reflects the spirit and heritage of Nepal. The logo combines the heroic spirit of the Nepalese people and the essence of Nepali cricket with the symbolic khukuri attached to the cricket bat.

        It also incorporates elements inspired by Nepal’s national symbols: the sun and moon from the flag, representing Nepal’s ambition to elevate cricket globally, and the flowing rivers that echo the cricket. The design is inspired by Mount Everest, symbolizing the league’s aspiration to reach new heights in the global cricket arena. With a competitive structure inspired by global franchise cricket tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash, the NPL has provided Nepali stakeholders with an opportunity to develop cricket affairs to a new level.

        The excitement of the Nepal Premier League is not limited to cricket lovers alone. Amidst Nepal’s sluggish economy and the monotony of daily life, the NPL is extending its influence beyond the realm of sports, providing energy and inspiration to people, especially among the youth.    The roar of 25,000 spectators/fans at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is proof that the NPL has transformed the city into a cricket carnival.

        This, which began in November and continued until December 21, is not just a cricket tournament – it has also transformed into a cultural and economic event.

        If the turnover of Rs 1 billion is affected in a way that is invisible to 5 times, then if the value of Rs 5 billion is mobilized, it is also a unique opportunity for “exposure” for Nepal’s tourism industry.

        Cricket enthusiasts and stakeholders are calling the NPL the biggest event in Nepal’s sporting history and showing its transformative impact beyond the cricket field.

        The secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) says, “It is not just about cricket; This is about ushering in a new era for sports and national unity.” Economic ripple effects The impact of the NPL extends far beyond the confines of the cricket pitch.

        From franchise rights and foreign player auctions to hotel bookings and advertising, the competition has mobilised a wide range of economic activities.

        Peanut vendors, roadside eateries and ride-hailing services like Pathao have all benefited. Reviving national identity The competition has also brought Nepal’s federalism to the forefront.

        There were eight teams representing the country’s seven provinces, including Kathmandu Gorkhas, Chitwan Rhinos and Pokhara Avengers. These teams were seen to create a sense of inter-provincial camaraderie and positive competition.

        Global recognition The NPL has also attracted international attention, with 40 celebrity cricketers such as Shikhar Dhawan, Ben Cutting, Jimmy Neesham and Martin Guptill playing in the league.

        Cricket legend Brian Lara was also present, along with renowned commentators and coaches. The presence of international stars and large-scale broadcasting have established the NPL as a potential driver for sports tourism in Nepal.

        According to Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, “When global players share the field with our cricketers, it not only boosts tourism and employment but also provides valuable learning opportunities.”

Experts suggest that investments in stadium infrastructure, lighting, and grassroots talent development will further enhance the league’s impact.

Challenges and lessons

        At a glance, the NPL’s success reflects Nepal’s growing “soft power” in cricket. It is also worth remembering that the External Affairs Minister of neighboring India, during his recent visit to the neighboring country, met with CAN officials and players, emphasizing the league’s potential to enhance bilateral relations and international recognition. Prime Minister Oli congratulated the “Janakpur Bolts” for winning the NPL title. In the recent final match, Janakpur Bolts won a cash prize of Rs 11 million after defeating Sudurpaschim Royals by five wickets, while the runners-up received Rs 5.1 million.

        This is the highest prize money in the history of Nepali sports. The best Nepali player of the tournament, Dipendra Singh Airee, got the opportunity to ride a car.

        The franchise tournament featured eight teams from different cities and provinces of Nepal. The format is similar to other T20 tournaments around the world, giving players valuable opportunities to showcase their skills.

        Some of the most popular domestic players, including Karan KC, Kusal Malla, Kusal Bhurtel, Dipendra Airi, Anil Shah, Rohit Poudel, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, led their respective teams. International stars like Martin Guptill, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Cutting and Shikhar Dhawan also joined the fray.

        The presence of these top-notch foreign players gave local players a unique opportunity to hone their skills for international competitions, while also gaining experience alongside global talent.

        Also, a key aspect of the inaugural season of the NPL was its partnership with Star Sports, India’s top sports network, which guarantees global exposure for the league. This partnership enabled fans around the world to watch Nepali cricket matches.

        The league’s reputation has improved significantly due to the presence of industry veterans such as Darren Gough and HD Ackerman, who provide professional insights through their commentary.

        The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has brought the world’s attention to the country’s premier franchise cricket by establishing links with international experts and networks and has secured the necessary investment for the upcoming edition.

        From a financial perspective, the NPL has significant potential to lead growth in various sectors. The prominent star has already earned around Nepali Rupees 2 million, which is considered huge by local standards.        

Other players have also received significant remuneration and match fees. This economic activity has had a positive impact on local businesses, including hotels and transport services.

        In addition, cash generated through media rights opportunities, sponsorships, and commercial advertisements has reached new heights. Reflecting the growing corporate interest in Nepali cricket, Siddhartha Bank was roped in as the main sponsor of the NPL in collaboration with Twenty-First Century Media Management.

        With the effective and successful conduct of NPL matches, the country’s cricket infrastructure will definitely experience improvement and expansion. Record number of spectators at the match venue – All matches at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground have proven that there is no dearth of spectators and fans for the high-profile cricket match.

        This will encourage cricket to prepare for the big-scale competition in the coming days. The league prioritizes grassroots development, investment in academies, coaching programs, and youth initiatives to cultivate future national team players. Nepali cricketers – both national players and newcomers – will now rub shoulders with these global cricket superstars, which will greatly boost their confidence.

        The NPL hopes to provide these players with enough financial incentives to pursue cricket as a profession. In fact, all the recent international success of the Indian national team is often attributed to the IPL, for a few reasons.

        The launch of the NPL this year could make a big difference in Nepal’s success in international cricket.

        The current developments in cricket, inspired by the NPL, could help the cricket association and the country to host major ICC tournaments, accelerating the country’s progress towards achieving Test status.

        This will take the overall status of cricket in Nepal to the grassroots and inspire the current players, fans, spectators and future generations of cricketers.

        Former West Indies captain and cricket legend Brian Lara has visited Nepal. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game, Lara’s visit is a monumental moment for cricket enthusiasts in Nepal. Brian Lara, often referred to as the “Port Prince of Spain”, had an illustrious international career.

        Known for his exceptional batting prowess, he holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, scoring 400 not out against England in 2004.

        The Nepali cricketer is considered a “rock star” by cricket fans. Sports have brought the country together and given Nepalis something to celebrate. Even though it took more than seven decades for the British colonialists to leave South Asia, their influence can still be fully felt in cricket.

        The possibility of Nepal becoming the leading country in South Asia in the list of top cricket-playing countries in the world has shown a lot of potential with the organization of NPL and its live broadcast.

        In this context, the NPL in Nepal has left a good legacy to the Nepali community, which can change the history of Nepali cricket.

        Are the federal government, local governments, state mechanisms, National Sports Council and CAN ready for this? This has become the most important question for now.

        Let us hope and believe that the days to come will be more exciting.