Nepal Premier League returns tonight as defending champions Lumbini Lions open Season 3

Season 3 of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) begins today, Monday 26 October, at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. Defending champions Lumbini Lions meet two-time finalists Sudurpaschim Royals in the opener, scheduled for 5pm local time according to one report, while another outlet's schedule lists 4:30pm for single-header days. Check the broadcaster's listing before publishing a start time.

Eight franchises will contest the competition, which runs until the grand final on 21 November: Lumbini Lions, Sudurpaschim Royals, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Karnali Yaks, Janakpur Bolts, Pokhara Avengers and Kathmandu Gorkhas. The top four after the league stage (ending 15 November) enter a playoff series. The Cricket Association of Nepal is the organiser, and Prime Minister Balen Shah is reported to be inaugurating the event. Kathmandu District Police say 1,125 personnel are deployed for security.

For Nepali supporters in the UK, the league is a widely followed fixture and a showcase for national players ahead of the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Qatar (19–29 November), where Nepal face India A on 20 November. The final weeks of the league overlap with that tournament, a scheduling clash that could affect squad availability.