Trophy Tour sparks excitement for NPL-2

By Kamal Khatri,Dhambojhi, Nov. 5: The Nepal Premier League (NPL) Trophy Tour has been held in Kohalpur and Nepalgunj of Banke district, generating excitement ahead of the tournament’s second edition.

Prior to the start of the new season, the Trophy Tour was conducted across various locations in Banke and Bardiya. As part of the initiative, the Lumbini Lions team travelled with the trophy to major cities including Kohalpur and Nepalgunj in Banke, and Bansgadhi in Bardiya.

The trophy was showcased at prominent landmarks such as Kohalpur Chaurah, Kohalpur Cricket Ground, Bageshwori Temple, Mangal Prasad Secondary School, and Nepalgunj Stadium, with the aim of garnering public support for the NPL.

At Kohalpur Junction, the trophy was jointly welcomed by Sangeeta Paudel, Deputy Mayor of Kohalpur Municipality; Lekh Bahadur Kshetri, member of the central selection committee of the Cricket Association of Nepal and former national captain; and Mamata Thapa, former vice-captain of the Nepal women’s cricket team.

Thapa remarked that this was the first time such a Trophy Tour had taken place in Nepal’s sporting history. “Globally, it’s common practice to tour the World Cup trophy across nations. This kind of initiative is excellent for bringing the buzz of the Nepal Premier League closer to the people. Nepal has already qualified for the World Cup,” she said.

Team mentor Shakti Gauchan noted that the trophy received a grand welcome from locals and cricket enthusiasts at every stop. He added that the tour has significantly heightened public interest and curiosity about the upcoming tournament.

Under the captaincy of Nepal men’s national team skipper Rohit Paudel, Lumbini Lions had a modest performance in the first season. This time, however, the team is eager to compete with the goal of clinching the title. The second edition of the NPL is scheduled to begin on 16 November.

Ahead of the tournament, the Trophy Tour was carried out across 28 locations in Lumbini Province, led by the Lumbini Lions franchise.