NPL-2 kicks off today

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 17: The second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is set to begin on Monday (17 November) under floodlights, with defending champions Janakpur Bolts facing Kathmandu Gorkhas in the opening match.

Janakpur, led by captain Anil Sah, are eager to retain their title. Sah said on the team’s official social media: “As defending champions it is important for us to win again. We deserve the title this season too as we have worked hard. We also have a good mix of players. We will play to win.”

This season, Janakpur are coached by experienced West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Last year, former Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake guided them to the trophy.

Janakpur have built a strong squad. They signed international stars Imran Tahir, Wayne Parnell, Lahiru Milantha, Jan Nicol Loftie‑Eaton, Lahiru Samarakoon, Sanjay Krishnamurthi and Sangeeth Cooray. 

They retained Aasif Sheikh, Anil Sah, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Kishor Mahato, Rupesh Kumar Singh and Tul Bahadur Thapa Magar. From the mini auction they added Mayan Yadav, Aditya Mahata, Bikash Aagri and Sachin Bhatta. Pappu Yadav was picked through the talent hunt.

On the other hand, Kathmandu Gorkhas enter the second season rebranded, having been known as Kathmandu Gurkhas last year. They have also unveiled a new logo.

Their squad is led by marquee player Karan KC. They retained Bhim Sharki, Shahab Alam, Rashid Khan, Dipesh Kandel and Pratik Shrestha for season two. From the mini auction they signed Mohammad Aadil Alam, Santosh Yadav, Aakash Tripathi, Uttam Thapa Magar and Tul Bahadur Thapa. Sonu Devkota joined from the talent hunt.

Kathmandu have appointed Nepal’s former head coach Monty Desai to take advantage of Desai's knowledge at the TU Cricket Ground. 

The Gorkhas will also be looking to avenge last season’s five‑wicket defeat to Janakpur. They also lost their opener against Chitwan Rhinos. Captain Karan wants his domestic players give strong performance this season unlike previous. They missed the playoffs in NPL-1 due to poor net run rate 

In contrast, Janakpur began last season with a dominant eight‑wicket win over Biratnagar Kings.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has instructed security officials to keep arrangements tight throughout the competition and to remain alert against any incidents. He gave the orders during a briefing with Kathmandu’s Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel and Police Chief Ramesh Thapa on Sunday.

“This year, cricket will be played at night for the first time, so security must be even stronger and more effective. Please ensure preparations are made accordingly,” Aryal said.

Earlier, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) urged fans to watch the opening match from home as tickets are sold out.  CAN Secretary Paras Khadka issued a video message asking supporters to stay home and follow the game at Television or OTT platform.