At first glance, the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is just a sports competition. On the deeper level, it has become a social and cultural phenomenon. While Nepali teams (both women and men) are achieving success in international competitions, the domestic league, the NPL, has not only increased the popularity of cricket in Nepal, but has also played an important role in federalism and social harmony.

When I called anthropologist Suresh Dhakal, he was visiting Bogtan Fudsil Rural Municipality in the Far West to understand the connection between NPL and federalism. From a place that is about a day's journey from Dipayal, he said, "Youth are eager to go to the federal capital, Kathmandu, to support the Sudurpaschim Royals in the NPL." 

Preparations are underway to play games at night in this year's NPL. Geographical isolation is no barrier to coming out to support their favorite team and players at the floodlit Tribhuvan University stadium. This eagerness is not only in the Far West Province, but also as far east as Koshi. Nepali cricket fans abroad are also planning to come to Kathmandu to watch some NPL matches. 

Dhakal understands that cricket, and especially the NPL, has also helped in safeguarding nationalism. According to him, NPL not only increases commitment to federalism, but there is also a danger of regionalism prevailing. However, he argues that it also promotes intimacy along with nationality, so the risk is reduced. 

Federalism is the division of power and authority at different levels of the state, which provides autonomy and independence to each region. Federalism has been implemented in Nepal's political structure since the 2072 BS constitution, according to which the country has been divided into seven provinces. This change was an important step to bring unity to Nepal's diversity and strengthen local rights.

Two teams from Bagmati Province participate in the NPL, while the remaining six teams represent each province. This structure has brought federalism to the game. The teams are recruited by searching for talent from the province, and the camps are also run in the province as much as possible. The local people also openly express their feelings for their team. The large crowds that have descended on each team's 'trophy tour' in their respective provinces have proven this. In fact, the NPL is no different from a social laboratory of national unity. 

All provinces have adopted the NPL with their own identity. Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Janakpur Bolts, Biratnagar Kings – these names are not just team names, but also the pride and cultural identity of the province. 

The true meaning and purpose of federalism can only be fully realized when the identity and inclusiveness of diverse cultural, ethnic and geographical characteristics are realized. This is directly experienced by the teams' own songs, waving flags and the screams of the audience that echo at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground as soon as the NPL competition begins. 

When a team wins a competition, its victory becomes a symbol of the victory of the entire province, not just the success of cricket. This further strengthens the sense of pride among the local residents and the identity of the province. Therefore, the NPL has become a 'cricket-federalism model' based on provincial representation. 

Not only the franchise team, sponsors and players, but also the supporters are unusually enthusiastic about the competition. Supporters of the champion Janakpur Bolts run a Facebook page called ‘Bolts Army’. The page’s operator, Revati Raman, says, ‘We support the team both when there is a game and when there is no game. Cricket fans abroad also support us and increase their enthusiasm. They are also interested in buying jerseys, caps and other merchandise of their state’s team.’

However, last season, there was an unpleasant scene of fighting between supporters of Sudurpaschim and Janakpur in the stands and on the road. Revati prefers to call it the ‘emotion’ of the supporters. This time, he informed that a press release will be issued before the game, appealing to the supporters and fans to be restrained. He argues that it is not wrong to get carried away by a little emotion after becoming a supporter. He says, ‘It’s just the mind. Sometimes, there are ups and downs in the team’s victory or defeat. However, this is temporary.'

NPL also has the ability to convey a political message. Officials, sports bodies and other representatives from various provinces in the federal structure attend the competition to further reinforce the importance and message of the game. Federalism emphasizes positive competition between provinces. This belief and example can be seen in the NPL.

The provinces have also taken ownership of the NPL with great enthusiasm. Everyone compares it to the victory or defeat of their province. There is a good debate on social media about the team's 'anthem song', jersey design and even the players. The NPL has also succeeded in instilling a sense of superiority and inferiority in the provinces.

Analysis of which province is better and which province needs to work harder is done both on and off the field, which has benefited everyone in some way. Economist Resham Thapa says that the NPL has succeeded in bringing the provinces into healthy competition with each other and that it is making federalism felt at the public level. He believes that NPL will also contribute to economic federalism and contribute something to the local to national economy. 

Whether it is in the name of ‘Talent Hunt’ or ‘Trophy Tour’ or the team’s promotional campaign, NPL has increased economic activity in the provinces. From TikTok, hotels, airlines, restaurants to those selling roasted peanuts and fruits to those running ‘ride sharing apps’, everyone has become part of the NPL-economy.

‘This has not only boosted the economy of Kathmandu, it has also helped increase national sentiment,’ says Thapa. Economists argue that NPL was born as a new market and that a part of the economic cycle will strengthen the economic pillar of federalism. 

There are also those who interpret and analyze NPL as a new social campaign that will firmly bury the roots of federalism. The flags of the provinces flying at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, the enthusiasm of the spectators, the presence of international players, and the economic excitement are all reasons why the organizer CAN believes that the NPL will become a common forum that connects federal Nepal emotionally, economically, culturally, and politically.