The Nepal Premier League (NPL) started on November 30, 2024 and has quickly created a buzz in world cricket. Over the past decade, Nepali cricket has experienced a rollercoaster journey, from debuting in the T20 World Cup in 2014, facing the suspension of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2016, gaining ODI status in 2018, to making a return to the T20 World Cup in 2024. One constant, however, is the unwavering growth of Nepal’s cricket fanbase, evident in the packed stadiums and millions of digital viewers tuning into the NPL’s opening game. With the league providing a platform for Nepali cricketers to showcase their skills and learn from seasoned international players, it raises an important question: how can Nepal benefit from this “Festival of the Himalayas” now capturing global attention?
NPL as a Platform
The NPL, announced by CAN in January 2024, features eight teams representing major cities nationwide. With international stars such as Shikhar Dhawan, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Cutting, and Ravi Bopara participating, the league offers a unique opportunity for Nepali cricketers to learn from seasoned international cricketers. This exposure to world-class talent could further enhance their skills and provide a platform to get to international cricket levels.
For young and rising players, the NPL presents an ideal platform to showcase their potential and offers a pathway into the Nepali national team. Beyond professional development, the league also offers financial incentives that empower players to pursue cricket as a viable career. Such support is crucial in sustaining the passion and dedication required for a competitive sporting journey. The NPL’s growing fanbase, with supporters from across the country traveling to the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, highlights its potential to unite communities and celebrate regional identities. As it grows, the league can become a landmark event, blending cricket, culture, and commerce for Nepal’s benefit.
The Economic Ripple Effect of the Nepal Premier League
The success of the NPL holds significant potential not only for the league and its players but also for the broader network of stakeholders directly and indirectly associated with it. From ground technicians meticulously preparing pitches to the support staff assisting teams, the NPL is a generator of numerous jobs across the sporting ecosystem. Local businesses, too, stand to gain from the league’s operations. Hotels hosting players and staff for the season, transportation services ferrying teams to and from stadiums, and vendors catering to matchday crowds all experience a surge in business. These ripple effects make NPL an important economic stimulant for communities involved in its execution.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the NPL’s association with Star Sports, one of the world’s premier sports broadcasters, has significantly elevated the visibility of Nepali cricket. This exposure has introduced a global audience to Nepal’s cricketing scene, especially from countries which the international cricketers belong to. A noteworthy example is James Neesham, a cricketer from New Zealand, who compared the TU Cricket Ground to the iconic Dharamshala Stadium in India, sharing the sentiment on his Instagram story. Such endorsements enhance NPL’s brand and position Nepal as a welcoming cricket and sports tourism destination.
The NPL’s success could further intertwine with Nepal’s growing tourism industry. Hosting matches in locations like Pokhara or Karnali could attract international fans and tourists, capitalizing on Nepal’s unique landscapes. Beyond tourism, a successful NPL could also drive improvements in cricketing infrastructure. For instance, installing floodlights at key venues would open opportunities for night matches, enhancing the league’s appeal and accessibility. Thus, NPL’s triumph would not merely benefit the league but could guide the economic and cultural growth of Nepal through job creation and infrastructure development. With much to gain and little to lose, the Nepal Premier League stands as a promising avenue for national development.
Learning from the Indian Premier League (IPL)
The NPL could draw valuable insights from the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the IPL began only in 2008 with modest beginnings, its growth can be credited to the strong regional fanbases developed by franchises. For instance, teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians (MI) have the highest valuations and loyal followings largely attributed to their titles. Similarly, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), despite not winning a title, is the third-most valuable out of all the franchises, owing to its dedicated fanbase. If NPL can cultivate similar regional loyalty, it could significantly increase the brand value of its franchises.
Another area for growth is broadcasting. The IPL’s financial success largely stems from its media rights, which were sold for INR 4,838 billion (USD 6.2 billion) in 2022. NPL, by contrast, currently pays NPR 40-50 million (USD 370,000) to broadcasters like Star Sports for coverage. However, with growing viewership, CAN could leverage this as an opportunity for better media deals for the upcoming seasons.
Moreover, the IPL’s emphasis on grassroot talent development has proven instrumental in fostering national team players. NPL could follow suit by nurturing local talent and boosting competition for national spots. Following the success of the IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) started the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, providing a platform for women cricketers across the world. BCCI’s earnings of INR 46.7 billion (USD 565.7 million) from the sale of five teams in 2023 demonstrates the market for women’s franchise cricket in the current day and age. This is a prospect that CAN can explore in the future, which could greatly enhance the status of women’s cricket in Nepal.
Overcoming Challenges
While the NPL has significant potential for growth, it must address key infrastructural challenges. If the league is to expand to multiple venues in the future, CAN must ensure cricket grounds meet international standards. This includes adding flood lights for night matches, introducing Decision Review System (DRS) technology to enhance game quality, and increasing seating capacity for larger crowds. Such improvements will require considerable financial investment, which can be sourced through increased sponsorships and additional partnerships. Along with private players, the Government also needs to play an integral and active role, especially in the development of infrastructure across the country. While the government has already put it on its agenda to expedite the construction of new stadiums, the major hurdle lies in the timely completion of projects. The government could prioritize completing the construction of Mulpani Cricket Stadium and Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium as per the designated deadline allowing NPL to host matches in multi-venue in the near future. Furthermore, to increase the league’s visibility and to attract a global audience, CAN could work on bringing in more international players, which would enhance the league’s appeal and bring in more viewers.
The NPL represents a transformative moment for Nepal, merging sports, community, and economic growth. Beyond showcasing the nation’s cricketing talent, it serves as a platform to unite fans and amplify Nepal’s presence on the global stage. It also makes way for other sports since with NPL serving as a litmus test, other sports, such as football and volleyball, could also consider adopting the franchise model. With its potential to boost local businesses, inspire young players, and promote tourism through scenic venues, sports has the capacity to serve as a catalyst for positive change in Nepal. Thus, by supporting this league, we can champion not only cricket but also a vision of progress, pride, and unity for Nepal.
Demin Lal Kakshapati holds a bachelor's in business administration (Marketing) from Kathmandu University and is currently a Beed Intern at Beed Management. He brings two years of experience in the marketing and e-commerce industries. His interests lie in using data-driven decision-making in healthcare management, leveraging data and project management skills for impactful, community-focused results.
