NPL's Significance

With the successful conclusion of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), Nepal's cricket sports have gained another level. The NPL matches have enhanced not only players' professional skills and talent but have also boosted the nation's confidence at a time when it is reeling from political tumult and security challenges. The spectators have taken a break from mundane routines and enjoyed the games that ran for a month. The Festival of Himalaya also holds social and economic importance for the country. The Lumbini Lions lifted their first-ever title by beating Sudurpaschim Royals by six wickets in the final match held at TU International Cricket Ground. Lumbini won in just nine overs, losing four wickets, as the Sudurpaschim could make only 85 runs.

While the Lumbini Lions roared in joy and excitement, the Sudurpaschim Royals were utterly disappointed for suffering defeats in two consecutive NPL finals. The Royals finished second in the first edition of NPL a year ago. They lost to Janakpur Bolts in a sensational match. The Royals were nurturing a dream to pick trophy this time. The defending Janakpur won only one game and fell to the bottom of the table. It was the same story with Lumbini in the inaugural edition last year. Their comeback was dramatic and thrilling this time but they had a nerve-racking beginning. They succeeded in the opener but suffered three losses consecutively before sealing six straight victories that made them the NPL champions. 

The games are all about teamwork. The victory demands that all players work hard and bring their best on the field. This also applies in the Royals' win. Their bowlers shone and dazzlingly contributed to handing a defeat to their competitors. Lumbini's Ruben Trumpelmann, Rohit Kumar Paudel and Sher Malla shared nine wickets between them. Paudel made a hat-trick in the 11th over while Malla dismissed the in-form Ishan Pandey for 33, the top score of the innings. The Lumbini Royals were awarded with Rs. 11 million in prize money, while runners-up Sudurpaschim received Rs. 5.1 million. Biratnagar Kings received Rs. 2.5 million for finishing third, and Kathmandu bagged Rs. 1.5 million for fourth place. Trumpelmann of Namibia became Player of the Match and Player of the Series. On the other hand, Paudel was declared Best Player and Best Batter, earning him an electric car worth Rs. 6 million as well as a bike. Biratnagar Kings’ captain Sandeep Lamichhane achieved the title of the best bowler, with 17 wickets that earned him a bike.

The sports have the potential to promote unity, solidarity and harmony among the people. They forget their differences and come together to enjoy the games. In sports lie the national sentiments that bind the citizens together for the common cause. The NPL is an illustrious instance of uniting the people from diverse social, economic and political backgrounds. Echoing this line of thought, Prime Minister Sushila Karki noted that the NPL has united the nation and allayed doubts regarding security. This has given a clear message that Nepal is peaceful and capable of organising major events like NPL. It is estimated that the NPL games have added over Rs. 1 billion to the national economy, which has been recently battered by the Gen Z revolt. What the nation needs is cricket stadiums, and considering the Nepalis' growing craze for cricket, the government should not hesitate to spend on building more stadiums.