Nepal UK
The third Nepal Premier League (NPL) began on 26 October at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur and runs until 21 November. Prime Minister Balendra Shah opened the tournament, and defending champions Lumbini Lions beat Sudurpaschim Royals by seven wickets in the first match, which also saw the first use of the Decision Review System in Nepal. Today's fixtures are Biratnagar Kings v Chitwan Rhinos and Janakpur Bolts v Karnali Yaks. Reports say the ICC has given the competition international recognition for the first time and that the champions will receive Rs 15 million.
Off the field, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) says it is unclear whether Pakistani players will take part. Its president, Chatur Bahadur Chand, said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not issued the required no-objection certificates (NOCs): "If someone does not give an NOC, we cannot force them to play." Franchise officials and cricket reporting say the PCB sought about US$25,000 per player. That figure is unconfirmed: it is attributed to unnamed people at the league, it is not known whether any demand was made in writing, and no PCB comment has been reported. Karnali Yaks director Grihendra Ghimire said his franchise was "disappointed by this last-minute demand".
Reports differ on detail. One account says Sahibzada Farhan has already returned home; another says the PCB asked him to return for national duty and he may rejoin after 31 October. The number of affected players is variously given as five or seven. For Nepali cricket followers in the UK, the dispute shows the commercial leverage national boards hold over fast-growing franchise leagues. Latest verified update: 27 October 2026.
