KATHMANDU

The much hyped franchise tournament Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 on Friday announced Siddhartha Bank as its title sponsor for five years.

The cricket governing body Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and Siddhartha Bank, however, decided not to reveal the sponsorship amount ‘expected to be around Rs30 million.’

The first edition of NPL featuring eight teams will be played from November 30 to December 21 at the TU ground in Kirtipur.

The sponsorship amount of US $150,000 for Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division Football League between All Nepal Football Association and Qatar Airways held two years back was the previous biggest sponsorship amount in Nepali sports.

CAN secretary Paras Khadka, the former national captain and a famed cricketer, claimed that it was a record sponsorship deal. “It is a record breaking sponsorship and I would like to thank the entire Siddhartha Bank family for this partnership,” said Khadka during the announcement ceremony.

Siddhartha Bank Chief Executive Sundar Prasad Kandel thanked CAN for the opportunity. “The NPL will serve as a big platform for Nepali players to share their experience and skills with ‘who-is-who’ of global cricket. Hopefully we can see Nepal playing Test with a powerhouse like India and Pakistan in future,” said Kandel.

CAN also announced that Star Sports, one of the major sports broadcasters, will telecast the tournament live.  

According to CAN, the matches scheduled for December 1 will be rescheduled due to a by-election set to take place in Kirtipur.

Eight franchise teams — Kathmandu Gurkhas, Chitwan Rhinos, Biratnagar Kings, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers, Karnali Yaks, Lumbini Lions and Sudurpashchim Royals — are participating in the flagship event of the CAN.