Kathmandu – The much-anticipated return of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 is officially underway, with the league bringing more teams, improved broadcasting reach and international star power to Nepal’s domestic cricket scene. According to official announcements from the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament will begin on 17 November 2025 and run through to 13 December 2025.
A Quick Look Back – Season 1
In its inaugural edition (2024), the NPL featured eight franchises and concluded with the Janakpur Bolts lifting the trophy after defeating the Sudurpaschim Royals in the final by five wickets, chasing down 184 in just 19.2 overs. That foundational season helped establish the league’s format and gave domestic players a high-profile platform.
What’s New for 2025
Teams and Format
Season 2 retains eight teams representing key provinces and regions of Nepal: Janakpur Bolts, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, Kathmandu Gorkhas, Lumbini Lions, Pokhara Avengers and Sudurpaschim Royals. Each team will face the others in a round-robin league stage followed by playoffs. The total number of matches is scheduled at 32 (28 league matches + 4 knock-out matches) and the grand final will be played on Saturday, 13 December.
Broadcasting and Streaming Enhancements
A major development this year is broadcasting: for the first time, matches will be televised not only in Nepal but across South Asia on Indian television as well. According to CAN, India’s Star TV network has secured rights to telecast the NPL simultaneously with Nepali channels, marking a big step for visibility of Nepali cricket.
Furthermore, while last year’s matches were freely available on YouTube, this year CAN has removed free YouTube streaming. Instead, a paid mobile-app streaming model will serve both domestic and international audiences. This aims to professionalise reach and monetise broadcasting, even though some fans accustomed to free access may feel disadvantaged.
Schedule Highlights
The league opens on 17 November, and key fixtures and stages include:
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League stage matches from 17 Nov through late November.
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Play-offs begin 9 December (Qualifier 1), Eliminator 10 December, Qualifier 2 on 11 December, with the Grand Final on 13 December.
Why This Matters for Nepali Cricket
The enhanced broadcasting strategy and inclusion of international star names (reports already mention major signings such as former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis joining Biratnagar Kings) are signs of ambition that go beyond domestic competition. By offering visibility in neighbouring markets like India, the NPL 2025 presents Nepali players an elevated platform, potentially attracting sponsorship, global attention and higher professional standards.
The shift toward paid streaming also signals a move to sustainable commercialisation of domestic cricket in Nepal. While free access helped build fan-bases, this year’s model may help generate revenue that can be reinvested in player development, infrastructure and league growth.
For Fans: How to Watch
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Within Nepal: Major Nepali TV networks will broadcast live matches (exact broadcasters still to be confirmed).
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In India/South Asia: Star TV network will telecast NPL matches.
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Worldwide (including Nepali diaspora): Download the official NPL streaming app (details and name announced by CAN) – this will require paid access; free YouTube streaming is not available this year.
Final Thoughts
With the 2025 edition of the Nepal Premier League, Nepali cricket enters a new chapter. Stronger competition, broader broadcast reach and a business-minded streaming model all point toward a future in which domestic leagues connect more deeply with regional and global cricket audiences. For Nepali players, fans and stakeholders alike, this season offers a chance to raise the game’s profile and push for professionalisation across the board.
For updates on match schedules, player auctions, live scores and app streaming details, fans are encouraged to follow official CAN channels and the NPL’s social media feeds.