The International Cricket Council ICC has officially recognised the Nepal Premier League NPL as a T20 competition. Ahead of the league’s third season, franchises will have more freedom to recruit overseas players.
The Cricket Association of Nepal CAN announced the confirmation in a press release on Friday.
Previously, the ICC permitted each NPL franchise to sign up to four players from Test playing nations for one edition. The new recognition gives teams greater flexibility in assembling their international squads.
The announcement comes only days before the NPL’s third edition begins, with franchises preparing to compete alongside several internationally recognised cricketers.
The change is expected to simplify recruitment for NPL teams looking to bring in more established overseas players. Earlier restrictions on signings from Test playing countries had affected squad planning for franchises seeking to attract prominent international names.
With the new recognition, teams can pursue overseas players with fewer limitations, potentially adding depth to the competition and strengthening its international profile.
The decision also reinforces the NPL’s standing as Nepal’s leading domestic franchise T20 tournament.
NPL Season Three starts October 26
The third edition of the Nepal Premier League will run from October 26 to November 21 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
Eight franchises will compete for the title, with the tournament scheduled between Nepal’s popular Dashain and Tihar festivals.
Defending champions Lumbini Lions will meet Sudurpaschim Royals in the opening match on October 26.
The new season has attracted considerable interest, with overseas signings including former Australia captain David Warner, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Bangladesh all rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
The ICC’s recognition is expected to give franchises more choices as they complete their squads for the competition.
The development follows months of work by CAN to secure formal approval from the ICC.
In September, CAN secretary Paras Khadka said the agreement was nearing completion. Teams were still awaiting written confirmation before announcing further overseas signings in early October.
The formal recognition provides greater certainty for franchises preparing for the new season and marks a positive development for Nepal’s domestic T20 competition.
The NPL has become an important platform for Nepali cricketers to gain experience, face international players and compete in front of large home crowds.
The decision may also increase the league’s appeal to overseas cricketers and raise its standing in international franchise cricket.
What the recognition means for Nepali cricket
For franchises, the immediate advantage is greater freedom to sign players from Test playing nations. A wider choice of overseas recruits could help teams strengthen their batting, bowling and all round departments.
Nepali players may also benefit from sharing dressing rooms and playing alongside established international cricketers, gaining exposure to different styles of play and professional approaches.
The recognition is another positive step in CAN’s efforts to establish the NPL as a more prominent competition.
With the tournament starting on October 26, focus will now shift to finalising squads, announcing further player signings and watching the eight teams compete.
The third season begins with the NPL officially recognised by the ICC as a T20 competition, giving franchises greater freedom to pursue international talent.