The Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket is starting from Monday at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur and this is a competition that will largely decide the future of Nepali cricket. There is a high possibility that with this competition, the entire Nepali cricket will be on the verge of changing.

• Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhaz, Pokhara Avengers, Lumbini Lions, Karnali Yaks and Sudurpaschim Royals will compete in the NPL this time. 7 players from England, 6 from America, 5 each from Australia and South Africa, 4 from Namibia, 3 from New Zealand, 2 each from India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Scotland, 1 each from Italy and Uganda. 1 player from Italy and Uganda. 1.5 million for the winner, 5.1 million for the second place, 2.5 million for the third place and 1.5 million for the fourth place.
• Last year's first edition laid the foundation of the competition, this edition will add to the level. As the competition enters its second year, the biggest change associated with it will be the magnificent reconstruction of the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground Kirtipur and the grandstand. Along with floodlights.
• Now Nepali cricket fans will also be able to watch this game with a new taste before their own eyes. Cricket played under floodlights at night is different in many ways from cricket played during the day. The impact on the game is natural. From now on, viewers will be able to watch cricket in their leisure time, relaxing and with a holiday mentality. 

This is not all, this tournament will also prove another fact, the strongest and decisive aspect of Nepali cricket will be the general audience. Also, except for some special Test matches, it is only in Nepal that there will be a large crowd of spectators.

This fact has been accepted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from the beginning. Now these supporters will be able to take Nepali cricket much further. The tournament will start with the match between Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gorkhas and the best news to hear about this is that all the tickets have been sold. The tickets were sold out less than 24 hours after they were opened for sale. 

Now Nepali viewers have understood the thrill of going to the field and watching cricket. Moreover, these viewers want to get a 'first-hand' experience of what cricket under floodlights is like. The live broadcast of the tournament will be on Kantipur Max TV. Apart from these two options, now NPL will not be available on any social media including YouTube, and if you want to watch it at all, you will have to depend on OTT.

What this means is that some cricket fans will have to pay a certain fee if they want to watch NPL on any other option. Similarly, now Nepali cricket will be able to collect a huge amount from the viewers who love this game and ultimately this can be the basis for the development of Nepali cricket later on. 

With this audience, CAN is confident of collecting Rs 400 million in NPL. Out of this, CAN aims to raise Rs 150 million from ticket sales, OTT and television rights. In addition, CAN will receive Rs 90 million from franchise renewal fees. 

Eight franchise teams will compete for the title. The meaning of franchise cricket is that not only the highest institution of any country earns from such competitions, but the team should also earn. Perhaps these franchise teams only invested in the first year and did not earn at all. When the second edition arrives, the path to earning will also be ready. From now on, this NPL will not be just a competition, it will move towards becoming a big industry from now on, and those who invest will also earn.

There is another big reason why this time's competition needs to be successful. The background to this is that the recent times have not been favorable for the country. The country has had to face many big obstacles. But the country does not always run like this. The country has to be united and united. That is why CAN has given the slogan, 'Cricket Unites Nepal'. That is, 'Cricket unites Nepal.'

Now the logo with this message will be on the jerseys of all eight teams, visible to everyone. From the perspective of Nepali cricket, why is this necessary? The selection for the Women's Twenty20 World Cup is being held in Nepal in January. This will be the biggest tournament to be held in Nepal in the history of Nepali cricket and also as an ICC-recognized tournament.

ICC has adopted a restrained policy regarding this tournament considering the recent developments in Nepal and has not said that it will happen like this so far. If the current NPL is successfully organized, Nepal can happily say that we are ready to organize this tournament. ICC itself can also be confident that this tournament will be held in Nepal without any disruption.

Just before leaving to play the Twenty20 World Cup, Nepal played a three-match Twenty20 International series with the West Indies. At a time when the country was in turmoil due to the recent developments, this series was named 'Unity Cup'. Wins and losses have their place, but the Unity Cup had brought relief to the Nepali people. 

When the tournament is conducted smoothly and the champion team is determined with the final to be held on Mangsir 27, then not only one team will win, Nepali cricket will win. 

Sonu replaces Natarajan

Kathmandu Gorkhaz have included Sonu Devkota in their team for the NPL. Kathmandu Gorkhaz have stated that Sonu Devkota was included in their team after the iconic player Natarajan Sah, who came from the talent hunt, was injured.