NPL receives official recognition from the ICC

Bangla Press Desk: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) T20 tournament has received official recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) confirmed this development in a press release on Friday (October 16).
This ICC approval is expected to enhance the NPL’s standing within the international cricket landscape and increase the likelihood of prominent global cricketers participating in the tournament.
In its statement, the CAN noted that the ICC’s formal endorsement would play a crucial role in the development and expansion of domestic cricket in Nepal, while also boosting its profile internationally. The association expressed its gratitude to the ICC for the support and partnership that will help take the NPL to a larger scale.
A major highlight of this upcoming edition—the third installment of the NPL—is the participation of Bangladeshi star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who will play for the Pokhara Avengers. Although he has been less active in international and domestic cricket over the past two years, Shakib has remained a regular participant in various franchise-based leagues around the world.
The eight-team tournament is set to begin on October 26 and will conclude with the final on November 21. Previously, the Janakpur Bolts emerged as champions in the inaugural edition held in 2024, while the Lumbini Lions claimed the title in the second edition in 2025.
BP/TD